Hodgkin's lymphoma! My 13-year-old son, Mikołaj, is fighting for his health!

A small change above the collarbone 

At the beginning of spring this year, my son Mikołaj felt a small lump above his collarbone. I was very worried, but I tried to reassure myself that it was nothing serious. I made an urgent appointment with a specialist to have the lump examined.

As I walked into the doctor’s office, I was hoping to hear a few reassuring words and then go home peacefully. But when I saw the serious look on the doctor’s face during the exam, I felt a growing sense of fear. A moment later, I was told that further testing would be necessary. At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

Fear upon hearing the diagnosis 

Shortly thereafter , the doctor gave us the diagnosis every parent fears: Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Treatment was started very quickly. Today, Mikołaj is undergoing his second round of chemotherapy. Every day is a struggle not only against the disease, but also against the side effects of treatment. Complications have arisen. Painful stomatitis and post-steroidal acne are further sapping Mikołaj’s strength. Mikołaj is also struggling with hypertension, which is further weakening his body.

Tough times 

My son is trying to be brave and is enduring the treatment as best he can. But I can see that he’s facing an enormous struggle. The illness is slowly robbing him of his childlike joy. He laughs less and less, and his carefree spirit has been replaced by fear.

Longing

Right now, I'm at the hospital with my son. I really want to be there for him during this difficult time. I'm trying to give him strength and comfort. Mikołaj's dad is at work right now, but he supports us whenever he can.

Mikołaj has two siblings: his sister Milena and his brother Oskar. They’ve always shared a special bond, which is why the news of his brother’s illness was so hard for them to take. They worry about him, miss him, and are doing everything they can to support him.

Hospital daily life

Before he got sick, my son loved being active. He always had a blast playing soccer with his friends, watching speedway races, and cheering on his favorite riders together. He would spend hours building with blocks, creating his own worlds and enjoying every new structure. Today, instead of the soccer field and the carefree days of childhood, his daily life is filled with hospital rooms, endless tests, and test results.

We sincerely ask for your help. Every bit of support gives us hope and a chance for Mikołaj to recover.