Brain stem cancer❗ Olive fights for fitness❗

Increasing symptoms

The days passed seemingly ordinarily, until one by one they began to bring signals that, with each repeated ailment, aroused deeper and deeper anxiety and eluded all simple explanations. In the morning, just after waking up, there was a sudden dimness of vision, a persistent squeaking sound in the ears, and brief moments of disturbed equilibrium were increasingly out of control. Over time, the discomfort stopped being limited to mornings. They began to encompass the entire day, and vision, which until recently had been clear, became more hazy and unstable every day. These symptoms were joined over time by nystagmus, and the episodes of disequilibrium began to recur with an intensity that no longer left room for reassuring explanations.

Olive was losing feeling in her left hand, and her right leg suddenly became heavy, as if refusing to obey without any warning. At that moment it became clear that urgent, in-depth diagnostics were needed.

Surgery as the only answer

Tests revealed the presence of a malignant brainstem tumor. Faced with this diagnosis, the only way forward was neurosurgery. The first surgery took place on August 20, 2025, during which about seventy percent of the tumor was removed. The second surgery took place on October 23, 2025, and during it a team of neurosurgeons from the GCZD in Katowice removed the remainder of the lesion descending all the way to the spinal cord. Both surgeries required great precision and responded to a disease process that was extremely taxing on the young patient's body.

Daily life after two brain surgeries

Olive still needs support in many daily activities. Her hands have not fully recovered, and prolonged sitting or standing leads to severe fatigue and pain. Her parents surround her with care and watch over every part of her rehabilitation and recovery. Family life goes on in the rhythm imposed by the disease. When mom is in the hospital with Olivia, dad takes over the care of their younger daughter, seven-year-old Zosia, who quietly longs for the moments when the whole family can be in one place again. The parents divide the responsibilities making sure that neither daughter is left without support.

Despite her limitations, Olive stays close to what has always been her world. She loves to stack Legos and read books. This is her space where she finds peace and a substitute for her pre-sickness daily life.

Family awaiting decisions on further treatment

After both treatments , the family is awaiting further medical decisions that will determine the next course of treatment.

Treatment, rehabilitation and commuting to appointments have become a daily occurrence, the burden of which, including financially, is increasingly difficult for j to bear.