Metastatic breast cancer❗Wioleta is battling a disease that continues to evolve❗

Start of treatment

In June 2022, Wioleta underwent a mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction using an implant. It seemed like the first step toward her recovery. Treatment was to continue according to the planned schedule.

Over time, however, it became clear that the treatment had not been fully administered. When Wioleta was admitted to the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk, the doctors immediately began further treatment. She started radiation therapy, followed by several months of systemic therapy.

From January to June 2023, she received adjuvant treatment with capecitabine. The next phase consisted of twelve cycles of olaparib therapy, which continued until September 2024.

The course of the disease changes

Unfortunately, the disease did not stop at that stage. Subsequent tests revealed that it had metastasized to the lungs. In March 2025, treatment with carboplatin began.

In February 2026, the situation changed again. Tests revealed that the disease had spread to her skin, bones, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. Wioleta was enrolled in a drug program and began treatment with Trodelvy. This is palliative chemotherapy administered in weekly cycles.

Each dose is accompanied by additional injections to support bone marrow function. Unfortunately, these injections cause very severe side effects. The pain in the skin, bones, and muscles can be so intense that it is difficult to bear.

Follow-up tests are conducted every three months to assess how the body is responding to treatment.

Daily life with the disease

Wioleta has a BRCA1 gene mutation.She is also undergoing hormone therapy with a Zoladex implant, which induces menopause.
At the same time, she is struggling with bipolar disorder, which in this situation places an additional strain on her mental health and makes daily life difficult.
Today, Wioleta is not working. She lives on disability benefits and spends most of her time between treatment sessions. Until recently, she believed that the disease was limited only to metastases in her lungs . However, the results of a PET scan revealed a much more serious picture of the disease.

That moment severely shook her sense of security and peace of mind.

Life in slow motion

Wioleta lives alone. In the days following chemotherapy, her body is so weakened that even the simplest tasks become a challenge. Getting out of bed or preparing a meal are things she often simply lacks the strength to do during those days. At times like these, her immediate family is a tremendous source of support. Wioleta’s mother comes to help with daily tasks.

Wioleta also has two sisters. One of them is also a carrier of the mutation. The news of her illness came as a huge shock to all of them, but today they try to support her as best they can.

Request for support

The sudden progression of the disease, the pace of treatment, and the enormous strain on her body threw Wioleta’s life into turmoil. Everything began to change faster than she could prepare for it.

There are times when everyday life falls apart like dominoes. It’s hard to keep up with everything that’s happening, and it’s hard to regain a sense of control over your own life. You start to feel exhausted and anxious, and it feels like you’re getting closer and closer to your breaking point.

At times like these, the presence of another person is incredibly important. Taking the time to listen to someone’s story, showing kindness and offering support—these are the kinds of gestures that can restore the belief that not everything has already been decided in this struggle.