Metastatic germ cell tumor❗ 2.5-year-old Sabinka is fighting for her life❗

Suddenly and without warning, illness struck.

On an August afternoon, Sabinka's mother felt a hard lump on her left buttock. The following days brought increasing anxiety to the family. The pediatrician recommended a surgical consultation, and an urgent ultrasound led to a diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma. The parents immediately went to the hospital emergency room, where the diagnosis was confirmed.

Sabinka did not return home. She and her father were admitted to the oncology ward, and the second day of her stay brought another decision. The test results showed that it was a secretory germ cell tumor.
During the first week, she underwent an MRI, CT scan, PET scan, and browiak procedure. The diagnosis revealed pathological changes in the presacral and sacral regions, as well as metastases to the left gluteal lymph node, right lung, and bones. On September 5, treatment with VIP chemotherapy began.

A tough fight in a tiny body

Intensive therapy became the only way to stop the disease from progressing. Sabinka has already undergone five rounds of chemotherapy, and the treatment has brought the first visible results. The tumor, which initially measured 61 × 51 × 64 mm, has shrunk to 25 × 33 × 18 mm. This change has allowed doctors to speak with cautious hope about the first steps toward controlling the cancer.

The metastases also began to recede. The changes in two vertebrae subsided, and imaging results confirmed that Sabinka's body was responding to treatment. However, metastases are still present in other areas, and the AFP marker, which is key to the decision to operate, must be normalized. Only then will doctors be able to safely consider removing the coccyx, which is necessary for further treatment.

Despite regression , the tumor is still too close to the intestines, which makes surgery impossible. Only further regression of the lesions and stabilization of parameters will allow doctors to plan the next stage of therapy.

Follow-up examinations also revealed a compression fracture of the L3 vertebra, which occurred during the withdrawal of the metastasis. Sabinka must wear a specially prepared brace for several weeks to protect her spine and allow for proper healing. This requires constant caution and comprehensive medical supervision.

Chemotherapy, although necessary, carries a huge burden. Sabinka struggles with vomiting, loss of appetite, picky eating, and neutropenia, which requires blood and platelet transfusions.

Life between the hospital and home

Since the end of August , Sabinka has been living in two realities. She is in the hospital with her dad, who stays with her day and night. He only goes back to work when his daughter's condition allows her to stay at home for a few days. During this time, her mom takes care of ten-month-old Rozalka and four-year-old Jędruś, who are waiting for the moment when their family will be together again.

Rozalka does not understand separation. Jędruś asks when his sister will return and imagines illness as a monster that must be driven away. Every meeting, every return of Sabinka to the house is full of tenderness. She does not leave her mother's side, and her siblings do not leave their father, trying to make up for weeks of separation.

Everyday life full of challenges

A broken vertebra requires immobilization, and Sabinka has always been a very active child. Now, every turn and every step must be carefully considered and cautious. The family functions in a rhythm where her safety is the priority. When Sabinka is at home, everyone lives in isolation so as not to expose her to infections. Jędruś does not attend kindergarten or extracurricular activities. Her immunity is like that of a newborn, and her body requires constant protection. However, the biggest challenge for everyone remains separation. It is this that puts the most strain on the family's strength and endurance.

Sabinka and the world that makes her happy

When she feels better, Sabinka remains a child who wants to experience life. She makes jewelry, plays with play dough, plays doctor, does puzzles, builds with blocks, and looks through her beloved books. She helps in the kitchen whenever she has the strength. This world of small games is her space to catch her breath, which restores a substitute for her childhood.

The funds raised will cover the costs of medication, medical care, future rehabilitation, and Sabinka's current treatment needs. This assistance allows us to act immediately and without delay. When it comes to cancer, every day and every decision is of utmost importance.