Malignant liver cancer and the road to transplantation❗Zuzia's difficult struggle❗

The illness came suddenly and without warning.

A month before the diagnosis, she started experiencing shoulder pain. Then weakness set in, which could easily be mistaken for the onset of an autumn infection. "I was convinced that the shoulder pain was the result of carrying a heavy backpack with books," recalls her mother. Over time , however , the pain grew worse, until one weekend Zuzia ended up in the emergency room. A series of tests, prolonged silence from the doctors, and finally that extreme diagnosis. Words that no parent is prepared to hear. And questions. How is this possible? Our daughter? Cancer? It can't be. Why her and not me? And yet the nightmare became reality. A huge tumor in her liver. Hepatoblastoma. A malignant tumor of the liver and bile ducts.

The diagnosis left no room for doubt.

Imaging tests revealed a massive tumor measuring 22 × 18 × 21 cm and numerous other lesions reaching 13.5 cm. The AFP level reached 296,347 ng/mL. The diagnosis was clear. Zuzia was referred for intensive chemotherapy and tests in preparation for a liver and bile duct transplant. Fear robbed the family of their sense of control, and everyday life ceased to exist.

Hospital instead of life

Until the day of her diagnosis, Zuzia had never been to a hospital before. From that moment on, her world was confined to the wards of the Children's Health Center in Warsaw. In isolation, in pain, and in constant anticipation of a better tomorrow, of a return to normal life and mundane, everyday problems.

On October 20, 2025, Zuzia underwent a liver needle biopsy and a procedure to implant a vascular port for chemotherapy. Numerous subsequent tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, have ruled out metastasis for the time being.

Intensive chemotherapy was started according to the POLPHITT protocol. Three blocks of treatment with cisplatin and doxorubicin. The therapy has been and continues to be repeatedly delayed, even by up to 3.5 weeks, due to severe complications. This is a cause for great concern, as it carries the risk of the tumor becoming resistant to treatment.

In a follow-up CT scan on December 9, 2025, the tumor had shrunk. Two parts of the tumor, measuring 16.5 × 15 × 17.6 cm and 4 × 3 × 4.5 cm, were identified . There were also areas of fresh bleeding. Hope and fear always go hand in hand here.

Treatment without a moment's rest

From the onset of her illness , Zuzia had been at home for only four days. Chemotherapy took away her hair, strength, and immunity. After the first series of treatment, numerous complications arose, and her body was already extremely weakened. She suffered a severe norovirus infection. Constant vomiting and diarrhea, dramatic weight loss, complete inability to eat. Then came further infections, antibiotic therapy, dry and bleeding mucous membranes, ulcers throughout her mouth, and pain so severe that morphine had to be administered.

Due to her inability to eat , Zuzia was placed on parenteral nutrition. Persistent severe vomiting led to a gastroscopy, which revealed inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Further antibiotics were prescribed. Zuzia is currently being fed through a tube. She requires frequent blood transfusions due to very low test results. Her daily life consists of lying down, suffering, and waiting. Waiting until the results allow for another round of chemotherapy. Since October 13, 2025, the family's everyday life has been spent in the hospital. Since September, Zuzia has been living in Warsaw with her mother, who cannot return to work because her daughter is very weak and requires round-the-clock care. Zuzia's father and older brother, a student, commute from Krakow. They live out of suitcases. They are in a constant state of tension. Without plans, without stability, without normality.

We kindly ask for your support.

Unfortunately, goodwill and parental love are not enough to defeat cancer. Zuzia faces further stages of chemotherapy and a liver transplant. It is a long, difficult, and burdensome journey, also financially. Non-refundable medications, rehabilitation, treatment of complications, specialized tests, psychological care, and many other costs that are increasing every month.

Every gesture of support is a huge source of strength, comfort, and hope for Zuzia. It is a chance to think about the future with confidence and peace of mind again.

If you can help Zuzia and her family get through this time a little more easily, we kindly ask you to do so. Even a small gesture makes a difference.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.