Osteosarcoma❗Now it comes down to one thing: amputation or limb-sparing surgery❗

At first, there was only pain

Toward the end of 2025, he began experiencing knee pain. Oskar is an extremely active teenager, so at first it seemed like just a case of overuse from training.
The pain was expected to go away, just as many similar ailments do in young people.

It hasn't passed.

As the new year began , the pain grew worse. Oskar had to stop training; he started having trouble sleeping and lost his appetite. Eventually, the pain became so intense that he began limping on his right leg.

In the second half of January, he was admitted to the Emergency Department at the Hospital in Lubin. An X-ray revealed a bone lesion that immediately raised serious concerns for the orthopedic surgeon. The image left little room for doubt. It could have been a cancerous lesion.

The word was mentioned: osteosarcoma

Oskar was referred to a specialized pediatric surgery center in Wrocław. A thorough diagnostic process began. An MRI, a CT scan, further consultations, and the collection of several bone samples for histopathological examination. The initial results brought relief. No abnormalities were found in the lungs. However, they had to wait for the final biopsy results. On February 20, the diagnosis was made: highly malignant osteosarcoma of the right tibia.

Treatment has already begun

In early March, Oskar was admitted to the “Przylądek Nadziei” Pediatric Oncology Clinic in Wrocław. The preparatory phase for treatment began. This included numerous tests, such as a crucial PET scan, and the insertion of a Broviac central venous catheter.

The first dose of chemotherapy was administered on March 6. Three infusions over three days. The illness was accompanied by severe pain, so intensive pain management was necessary.

This is just the beginning of the therapy.

Before the Oscars, Oskar has several more rounds of chemotherapy scheduled for the coming weeks. Once they are completed, the doctors will assess how his body has responded to the treatment. At that point, a decision will be made regarding further surgical procedures.

There is a great deal at stake in this decision. Doctors are doing everything they can to avoid the worst-case scenario: leg amputation. However, if the condition does not respond well enough to treatment, such a decision may become necessary. The alternative is a limb-preserving surgery involving the implantation of a prosthesis.

Difficult everyday life

Today, Oskar’s life revolves between the hospital and home. One day brings more tests and treatment; the next offers a moment of respite within the familiar four walls. His mom is always by his side. She’s raising two children on her own and struggles every day to bear the weight of this situation. To be able to stay with her son during his treatment, she had to take medical leave. During this time, eight-year-old Julia is being cared for by her grandparents.

This is also a very difficult time for the girl. Her longing for her mother and brother is mixed with a fear that is hard to avoid in such a situation. That is why Julia is under the care of a psychologist and a school counselor.

As if that weren't enough, Grandma is scheduled to undergo surgery in May to remove a pituitary tumor. It's all too much for one family to handle.

Oskar and his team

Sports have always been an important part of Oskar’s life. Soccer remains his greatest passion. He spent his free time on the field or at the gym. Being active came naturally to him; it was part of his daily routine.

He also enjoys stories about heroes who face adversity and refuse to give up despite the tough battles they face. “Game of Thrones” and “The Witcher” are tales of courage, perseverance, and loyalty. Today, he finds himself in a story he never planned.

Fortunately, he’s not alone in this. His friends make sure he doesn’t forget about them. They call, text, and remind him every day that he’s still a part of their world.

Oskar faces several difficult months of treatment ahead. Chemotherapy, more tests, surgery, and a long rehabilitation process.

In the face of an illness that has so suddenly disrupted this family’s life, even the smallest gesture of support takes on special significance.
It becomes a source of comfort that helps them get through this time with greater peace of mind and the feeling that there are people nearby who understand their situation and are rooting for Oskar.