Acute myeloid leukemia. Michael cannot wait❗.

He began to disappear in sight

After the vacations, Michael began to lose weight rapidly. He was lethargic and stopped talking as readily as before. After every meal, he was hit by nausea. These were not symptoms that could be ignored, although no one had yet pronounced the worst word. Tests were supposed to confirm the infection and reassure. Unfortunately, the results only deepened the anxiety.

Hospital. Diagnosis. Silence

At the hematology department in Gdansk, a detailed diagnosis was made. After a few days, the diagnosis was made: acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplastic syndrome. In the hospital, everything happened quickly. At home, time stood still. Michael has five siblings. Overnight, the house became quieter, heavier. Everyone was waiting for news from the hospital.

Treatment that hurts

Chemotherapy began immediately. The pain came quickly - aphthas that wouldn't let him eat, drugs that were debilitating, side effects that stayed for a long time. Michael was losing his strength. In bed, he slept longer than usual. For a week he was unable to get up. Everything that used to be an everyday occurrence suddenly became impossible.

A mutation that changes the plan

During the course of treatment, additional information came to light. Tests revealed genetic mutations that required specialized drugs. Chemotherapy weakened him so much that the introduction of therapy had to be postponed. Only after the complications were controlled could proper treatment begin. Each day of delay brought more uncertainty.

The closest rescue - a sister

Further treatment requires a bone marrow transplant. The donor will be Michael's sister. This is the moment when hope becomes concrete. But they still have a long way to go. More infusions, preparation, commuting, medications. Daily life divided between hospital and home.