Stage IV metastatic cancer❗ Dozens of cycles of chemotherapy to save Sviatlana's life❗.

An inconspicuous signal, an unforgiving truth

An inconspicuous lump that appeared in the spring of 2022 during a self-examination became the beginning of a dramatic truth. A biopsy and subsequent tests conducted in the summer brought the diagnosis - HER2+ malignant breast cancer, and it was already stage IV, with numerous metastases to the bones and lymph nodes. The disease entered mercilessly, taking away breathing space, turning everyday life into a road full of pain, uncertainty and devastating treatment.

Years of therapy

In March 2023, chemotherapy began. Intensive treatment combined with biphosphonate infusions and induction of artificial menopause. The body did not remain indifferent to them. Hair loss, vomiting, fevers, inflammation and an incapacitating lack of strength became the price of the daily struggle.

Initially, Sviatlana underwent six cycles of aggressive chemotherapy with docetaxel, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, while treatment of metastases with zoledronic acid infusions was started in parallel.

The next step was regular therapies with trastuzumab and pertuzumab, which continue every three weeks to this day. Every follow-up CT scan brings a moment of respite. The tumor and metastasis have shrunk in size, but the fight still continues and does not let up.

Effects of the disease

Chemotherapy, in addition to the immediate effects accompanying successive infusions, has left deep marks on the body. Agranulocytosis, deterioration of vision, joint pains, hot flashes, insomnia or ulceration of mucous membranes have become part of everyday life. Each day brings a new burden to bear. Day by day, the resources in the form of accumulated savings have melted Fear thus takes on different faces. And yet, despite these difficulties, Sviatlana is slowly regaining her rhythm. After each infusion, she needs a few days of rest, so that later she can resume her daily duties and try to live independently.

The power of family

At the beginning of her treatment, Sviatlana was a bedridden patient, completely dependent on her husband and daughter. They became the foundation through which she was able to survive the hardest times. Today, her husband continues to take over household chores and child care as she recovers from successive therapies. With their support, she didn't give in to the initial slump. Although moments of doubt can still knock on the door uninvited, it is the closeness of her family that allows her to believe that the day will come when she can look to the future with relief.

Biggest challenges

Fear and complications from treatment are present every day. The hardest thing is to accept herself in this new look and not lose hope. Sviatlana knows that this battle will not end soon, but she wants to fight it for her husband, her daughter, and for the moments that are still ahead of them.