Supporting Sanya to beat Hodgkins Lymphoma!
Sanya, 32 years old, female, Cancer survivor.
For Sanya, the end of 2018 was a period full of physical discomfort, constant coughing and small lumps in the neck which were the initial symptoms of the beginning of a stressful journey.
In November 2018, Sanya was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. A CT-Scan on the 19th of January 2019 showed the size of the cancer at 11 x 4.8 x 6.5 cm. She was required to undergo chemotherapy (Rituximab, Vincristine, Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide) for 8 cycles in approximately 6 months from February 2019 to July 2019. A CT-Scan on the 23rd of July 2019 showed a reduction in the size of the cancer (4.7 x 2.5 x 7 cm). Because her condition had improved and she seemed to be able to return to her activities, she was scheduled for maintenance therapy every 2 months with Rituximab treatment .
She underwent maintenance therapy 4 times (August, October, December 2019 and February 2020) but her condition worsened and the cough reappeared. CT-Scan results on the 16th of March 2020 stated that the cancer had grown larger (12.2 x 10.7 x 10.3 cm). It’s location was seen around the mediastinum, in the chest cavity. After the examination, Rituximab treatment was stopped.
A new chemotherapy regimen (Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide and Bleomycin) for 8 cycles for the next 6 months was followed (March to September 2020) but in spite of the treatment her condition was deteriorating, she was coughing and vomiting almost all the time, sometimes coughing up blood, was unable to walk, her blood pressure was getting lower and she found it difficult to breathe. Due to this again tests were carried out.
The biopsy results showed that Sanya still had Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. However, it was found that the chemotherapy that she had undergone so far used drugs to treat Non Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. As the therapy was incorrect, the cancer could not be targeted and led to the growth of Hodgkin Lymphoma. On the 7th of October 2020 a CT-Scan showed that her cancer was bigger (8.4 x 13.4 x 9.5 cm). Her lymphocyte levels (which are normally [phone redacted] /mcL) were found to be only 100 /mcL.
In October 2020, treatment was restarted using the correct therapy (Doxorubicin, Bleomicyn, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine). The new chemotherapy regimen was carried out for 12 cycles (every 2 weeks for 6 months) until the end of March 2021. Her condition began to improve and she could return to work. X-Ray and Ultrasound results on the 13th of April 2021 showed the persistence of the cancer in spite of improvement.
On the 24th of May 2021 in her last consultation, her doctor suggested conducting Targeted Therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma using the drug Brentuximab Vedotin. Each vial of Brentuximab Vedotin Targeted Therapy costs USD 3,800. In spite of receiving financial aid, Sanya still needs to pay for 3 vials of this medication. She needs to pay a total of USD 11,400 (USD 3800 x 3) for the medication and USD 1,350 for additional expenses. This comes to a total of AUD 17,000. Sanya is seeking this amount as aid from GOFUNDME benefactors. Even the smallest amount, or a message of support will help Sanya achieve her goal and will be greatly appreciated.
