Acute lymphoblastic leukemia! My 3-year-old son Maciej is battling an aggressive form of cancer!

The symptoms resembled those of a common infection 

It started suddenly. My son began experiencing pain in his legs, excessive sweating, and a fever. At the time, I thought it was just a winter cold. But when petechiae appeared on Maciek’s skin and his lymph nodes swelled significantly, I realized something was seriously wrong with my son. I knew we couldn’t wait. We ended up at the Pediatric Ward in Człuchów. After tests and a medical consultation, the decision was made to transfer him urgently to the clinic in Gdańsk. Maciek was admitted to the ward late one evening in late March.

Diagnosis 

After numerous tests, the diagnosis came: acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. There’s no way to prepare for that moment. In an instant, the world shrank to the size of a hospital room, and our everyday family life was replaced by test results, medications, treatments, and constant fear for our child’s life.

Maciek’s treatment began very quickly. My son underwent a bone marrow biopsy, lumbar punctures, tests under general anesthesia, and chemotherapy. Due to anemia and thrombocytopenia, he also required blood transfusions. Each subsequent procedure meant immense stress and pain for Maciek. I watched it all as the mother of a 3-year-old who should be running, playing, and exploring the world, not fighting such a serious illness.

This is not the end of the treatment

During treatment, additional problems arose: high blood pressure, physical weakness following chemotherapy, acid reflux, and difficulty eating. For a time, enteral feeding was necessary. We also received our first piece of good news: tests showed that the disease was in remission. However, this does not mean the end. Maciek now faces the second phase of treatment, which is intended to destroy the remaining leukemia cells and reduce the risk of relapse.

Our family has been torn apart

Right now, I’m with Maciek at the hospital in Gdańsk. I had to put my internship on hold so I could be with him every day. My husband and Maciek’s brothers, Kacper and Mikołaj, stayed at home. My husband works, takes care of the kids, and manages the household. The boys miss their brother very much. They’re trying to carry on as before. They go to school, do their homework, and call their brother whenever they can. The boys’ grandmother is a huge support to my husband; she helps as best she can.

The illness has split our family between the hospital and home. It’s especially hard when Maciek and I are left alone in the ward.

Please support me

Every day is a challenge. Treatment, tests, pain, fatigue, and a long stay in the ward make even ordinary things difficult. Maciek is only 3 years old. He can be stubborn, has his emotions, and doesn’t always know how to cope with what’s happening. Still, he’s a little boy who loves dinosaurs, military games, and spending time with his brothers.

I sincerely ask for your support. Every donation, every share, and every kind word means the world to us.