Morten needs help in battle against blood cancer
Donation protected
After several weeks of tests, scans, misdiagnosis and mix ups of his test results with those from other patients, Morten was diagnosed with blood cancer on 25 November. It was a stressful time for the entire family. We went to see a doctor because of a consistent upset stomach and a persistent throat infection. Doctors were sure it was Epstein-Barr virus (Pfeiffer’s disease), and even started him on medication for this. It turned out to be a very rare kind of Leukaemia called Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma.
Here in Ukraine they did the diagnosis and were ready to start treatment. However, seeking second opinions with specialists in Greece, Poland and Netherlands it turned out that not everyone was in agreement with the work that had been done so far in Ukraine.
1. The tests were incomplete and therefore the diagnosis not final. It is clear he has lymphomas not only in his spleen, but also his bone marrow. In addition, he has enlarged lymph nodes (11 in total) in various places in his body. A PET scan is required to map the spread of the illness and well as a lymph node biopsy;
2. Without a final diagnosis, there is no treatment plan;
3. Even if the diagnosis turns out to be accurate, treatment could involve a splenectomy (removal of the spleen). In terms of medication we could be looking at immunotherapy, chemotherapy and a combination of the two.
After all the lost time and misdiagnosis, it is absolutely vital we get it right. Morten spends most of his time in bed, sleeping or when he is awake, he is tired and weak. We want to make sure we get the best diagnosis and treatment possible, in the best environment for him to get better and regain his strength.
The global pandemic had already made life challenging. Morten started a new business in February. However, his first event in London in February, also turned out to be the last. All events for 2020 had to be cancelled, travel became impossible and all his business has since been on hold for an indefinite period. Now that he has been diagnosed with cancer, the pressure on our family has even further increased.
We will travel to Holland before the December holidays for a complete re-diagnosis in January and seek 2nd opinions with Europe’s most experienced specialists. In the mean time, we need to ensure the situation doesn’t worsen as Morten has had a staphylococcus bacterial infection in his throat since early september. The holidays will not be the same this year. We appreciate all the help we have received so far from friends, family, colleagues, customers, school friends, team mates and complete strangers.
If you want to help us, and you are in Ukraine, you can not use GoFundMe to donate. Please donate directly to my card: 5215 6710 0001 1716.
Thanks a lot!
Morten's wife, Elena Kriek
Here in Ukraine they did the diagnosis and were ready to start treatment. However, seeking second opinions with specialists in Greece, Poland and Netherlands it turned out that not everyone was in agreement with the work that had been done so far in Ukraine.
1. The tests were incomplete and therefore the diagnosis not final. It is clear he has lymphomas not only in his spleen, but also his bone marrow. In addition, he has enlarged lymph nodes (11 in total) in various places in his body. A PET scan is required to map the spread of the illness and well as a lymph node biopsy;
2. Without a final diagnosis, there is no treatment plan;
3. Even if the diagnosis turns out to be accurate, treatment could involve a splenectomy (removal of the spleen). In terms of medication we could be looking at immunotherapy, chemotherapy and a combination of the two.
After all the lost time and misdiagnosis, it is absolutely vital we get it right. Morten spends most of his time in bed, sleeping or when he is awake, he is tired and weak. We want to make sure we get the best diagnosis and treatment possible, in the best environment for him to get better and regain his strength.
The global pandemic had already made life challenging. Morten started a new business in February. However, his first event in London in February, also turned out to be the last. All events for 2020 had to be cancelled, travel became impossible and all his business has since been on hold for an indefinite period. Now that he has been diagnosed with cancer, the pressure on our family has even further increased.
We will travel to Holland before the December holidays for a complete re-diagnosis in January and seek 2nd opinions with Europe’s most experienced specialists. In the mean time, we need to ensure the situation doesn’t worsen as Morten has had a staphylococcus bacterial infection in his throat since early september. The holidays will not be the same this year. We appreciate all the help we have received so far from friends, family, colleagues, customers, school friends, team mates and complete strangers.
If you want to help us, and you are in Ukraine, you can not use GoFundMe to donate. Please donate directly to my card: 5215 6710 0001 1716.
Thanks a lot!
Morten's wife, Elena Kriek
Organizer
Dillon Bijlsma
Organizer
Amstelveen noord, NL
