Malignant kidney tumor❗2.5-year-old Tymek is fighting❗

An inconspicuous signal

At the end of September, Tymus's parents took him to see a pediatrician. They were concerned about a small varicose vein, which turned out to be a varicocele. They just wanted to check that everything was okay.

During the examination, however, the doctor felt an alarming change in the lower left part of the abdomen. The decision was made immediately. An urgent referral for an abdominal ultrasound and a trip to the Emergency Department at the Hospital in Jelenia Góra.

A series of tests were performed there, including an ultrasound of the abdomen and retroperitoneal space, a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, and a complete blood count. The results took the parents' breath away. A huge tumor was found near the left kidney, measuring 10.3 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm. The world, which had been peaceful just a moment before, suddenly came to a halt.

A heartbreaking diagnosis

On September 30,Tymek was admitted to the Przylądek Nadziei clinic in Wrocław. Intensive diagnostics began. Chest tomography, MRI, further ultrasound examinations, blood and urine tests. The results confirmed the worst fears. Wilms' tumor. A malignant kidney tumor. The doctors' decision was clear. Immediate preoperative chemotherapy. There was no time to come to terms with the fear. Only one thing mattered—saving his life.

Treatment knows no mercy

Tymuś underwent four cycles of chemotherapy. His tiny body had to undergo treatment that is extremely difficult even for adults. On October 31, he underwent surgery. His left kidney was removed along with the tumor. The histopathological examination confirmed the suspicions and classified the cancer as stage III.
This meant one thing. The treatment must continue. A postoperative therapeutic protocol was implemented, which includes 27 weeks of chemotherapy and an eight-day cycle of radiotherapy, which Tymek is currently undergoing. On November 24 , a vascular port was inserted. Each day brings IV drips, tests, monitoring of parameters, and vigilance. A complication in the form of postoperative hypertension has also arisen, which requires constant monitoring.

The hospital became part of everyday life.

Tymek is currently in hospital. For such a small child, it is a strange world, noisy and full of incomprehensible procedures. His mother is with him almost all the time. Although she had planned to start her own business, today her whole life is devoted to her son's treatment.
His father stayed at home with their six-year-old daughter Zosia. He is the breadwinner and supports the family, dividing each day between his duties, caring for his daughter, and commuting to Wrocław to see his son with his mother.
The family is divided between two places. Separated, tired, living in constant fear of what the next tests will bring.

Six-year-old Zosia misses her mother and younger brother very much. This is a completely new situation for her, one she cannot understand.
Separation, adults' anxiety, whispered conversations. Children feel more than they can express.

Support needed

Cancer treatment for such a young child involves more than just chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It also includes rehabilitation, specialist care, supplements to support the body, an appropriate diet, frequent travel, and costs that increase with each passing week.

The family is doing everything they can to ensure that their child's life is not threatened by the inability to provide them with the best treatment. Without support, however, this journey becomes overwhelming and extremely stressful.