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My name is Paulina and I am 42 years old. I am battling a malignant form of cancer. I am a mother to three sons: 23-year-old Robert, 13-year-old Gabriel and 10-year-old Miłosz (suffering from epilepsy). Before I was diagnosed, my passion was crocheting. I liked traveling, visiting and exploring new places and I love nature. I would like to be able to do those things again one day ...
In 2013, I was diagnosed with a malignant breast cancer that, due to my positive hormone-dependent receptors (HER2 +++), grows twice as fast. It was like a death sentence. I really wanted to live... From September to December of that same year, I underwent three operations. Eventually, my whole breast and some lymph nodes were removed. Unfortunately, it wasn't over. I began chemotherapy, was given antibodies for a year then followed with hormone therapy. It was difficult, but I felt hopeful.
If it wasn’t enough what I was going through, the same year, my youngest son, Miłosz, was diagnosed with epilepsy. My husband and I began another battle, for his health. He could not go to school and had to have private tutoring. I was thinking: what else?! However, the fight continued - now not only for me, but also for my child.
In June 2017, after a doctor's recommendation, as a precaution, my reproductive organs were removed. I went into remission. In December 2018, the breast cancer returned. Another operation; the rest of the lymph nodes were removed, but a tumor was left unnoticed. I was terrified and desperate. After two weeks, I had another surgery. This time the tumor was removed and I started another round of chemo. Antibodies weren’t given to me this time, because Polish law does not acknowledge the possibility of having another breast tumor in a breast that has been previously removed. I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had no strength, the money was depleting rapidly and I couldn’t return to work. However, I continued to fight.
As if that wasn't enough, in July 2019 another devastating blow. My doctor discovered a tumor in my liver which was inoperable because it threatened to spread. Chemotherapy again - this time for the rest of my life. The only question is: How long will that life be? To make matters worse, I contracted a staph infection while at the hospital where I received chemo. In addition, a worrisome scan of my lungs came back. I became depressed. I was wondering what else? How much more can my body and my psyche bear? The inner struggle that I have to fight every day - with myself, with my own body – is exhausting. I have to put on a brave face for my family. I have children and a husband who have been supporting me in my struggle for life for many years. My parents, brother, in-laws, friends and acquaintances provide support. I could use a miracle ... And I need your help to continue the battle for my life.
I hope that with your help I will succeed. I am asking for your support in collecting funds for medicines, tests and consultations. I dream that there will be a tomorrow... I want to see my children grow up. Enjoy the seasons and the world around me. It's so beautiful. Please, help me make my dreams come true - so small and so great...
In 2013, I was diagnosed with a malignant breast cancer that, due to my positive hormone-dependent receptors (HER2 +++), grows twice as fast. It was like a death sentence. I really wanted to live... From September to December of that same year, I underwent three operations. Eventually, my whole breast and some lymph nodes were removed. Unfortunately, it wasn't over. I began chemotherapy, was given antibodies for a year then followed with hormone therapy. It was difficult, but I felt hopeful.
If it wasn’t enough what I was going through, the same year, my youngest son, Miłosz, was diagnosed with epilepsy. My husband and I began another battle, for his health. He could not go to school and had to have private tutoring. I was thinking: what else?! However, the fight continued - now not only for me, but also for my child.
In June 2017, after a doctor's recommendation, as a precaution, my reproductive organs were removed. I went into remission. In December 2018, the breast cancer returned. Another operation; the rest of the lymph nodes were removed, but a tumor was left unnoticed. I was terrified and desperate. After two weeks, I had another surgery. This time the tumor was removed and I started another round of chemo. Antibodies weren’t given to me this time, because Polish law does not acknowledge the possibility of having another breast tumor in a breast that has been previously removed. I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had no strength, the money was depleting rapidly and I couldn’t return to work. However, I continued to fight.
As if that wasn't enough, in July 2019 another devastating blow. My doctor discovered a tumor in my liver which was inoperable because it threatened to spread. Chemotherapy again - this time for the rest of my life. The only question is: How long will that life be? To make matters worse, I contracted a staph infection while at the hospital where I received chemo. In addition, a worrisome scan of my lungs came back. I became depressed. I was wondering what else? How much more can my body and my psyche bear? The inner struggle that I have to fight every day - with myself, with my own body – is exhausting. I have to put on a brave face for my family. I have children and a husband who have been supporting me in my struggle for life for many years. My parents, brother, in-laws, friends and acquaintances provide support. I could use a miracle ... And I need your help to continue the battle for my life.
I hope that with your help I will succeed. I am asking for your support in collecting funds for medicines, tests and consultations. I dream that there will be a tomorrow... I want to see my children grow up. Enjoy the seasons and the world around me. It's so beautiful. Please, help me make my dreams come true - so small and so great...