«Dad’s diagnosis: lung cancer with head metastasis. But the worst has just come ». [DAUGHTER’S LETTER]

«For almost a year we have been looking for help for our father who is fighting lung cancer. In 2012, Daddy had a sudden seizure. It turned out to be a symptom of a metastatic brain tumor. After the operation, we heard that it was a small cell carcinoma of the right lung with a metastasis to the head. Dad was given three months to live. It was terrible news for us. But the worst came in February last year »writes Ms Maja. In a letter to MedTvoiLokony, she described the second cancer attack and the family’s struggle to treat Dad.

1. In 2012, Ms Maja’s dad was diagnosed with cancer of the right lung with metastasis to the head. Fortunately, the therapy turned out to be effective
2. Eight years later, check-ups showed a new lesion, this time in the left lung. «Dad has a second lung cancer that is advanced. He can no longer be operated on », writes Ms Maja in a letter to MedTvoiLokony
3. «After unsuccessful treatment, we were offered a hospice. We did not agree to that, »writes the daughter
4. Private consultations and research began. There was also hope – a clinic from Germany proposed immunotherapy, thanks to which you can extend your life without pain and progression.
5. But this therapy comes at a cost. “Dad’s retirement is not enough to live with dignity, not to mention expensive treatment (permanent medications cost over 2 a month)”. You can help Mrs Maja’s dad and support the fundraiser for his treatment that was started by the family
6. More important information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Dad has a second lung cancer. We were offered a hospice

In 2012, my dad had one of the lobes of the right lung removed, then he was subjected to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He fought so bravely that he won. Eight years have passed since then. We thought the worst was behind us. This was the case until February 2020, when the pulmonary MRI showed a new change. This time the cancer attacked the left lung. The biopsy, which was delayed by three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, established the diagnosis. Dad has a second lung cancer, this time non-small cell, which is advanced. It can no longer be operated on. We started fighting again.

In Poland, my dad underwent two lines of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he was not able to be treated with immunotherapy, which was available and reimbursed for second-line treatment. This meant that there was no chance for further treatment in Poland. The qualification system for innovative drug programs is intended only for the most promising, mainly strong and able-bodied people. Meanwhile, dad is elderly (he is 69 years old) and this is his second lung cancer – it is simply a case that does not bode well … The healthcare system in Poland could not help anymore. After unsuccessful treatment, we were offered a hospice.

1. “We are witnessing two great revolutions in the treatment of lung cancer”. Unfortunately, in Poland they are reimbursed only in selected cases

Retirement is not enough to live with dignity, not to mention expensive medical treatment. But we fight

We did not agree to it. We went for private consultations, it was necessary to rent an oxygen concentrator permanently. We also tried to get a wheelchair, because my dad, due to the progression of the disease, deteriorating lung efficiency and the undergoing chemotherapy, could not even stand on his feet.

Photo Private archive

Dad’s retirement is not enough to live with dignity, not to mention expensive treatment (permanent medications cost over 2 a month). That is why we started fundraising for this purpose. The more that there was hope. We sent papa’s documentation to a German lung cancer clinic. We received an innovative treatment proposal – immunotherapy, thanks to which you can extend your life without pain and progression. Unfortunately, the treatment is private and the costs are enormous. In addition, in Poland, we still have to use private treatment, many tests and consultations, which, unfortunately, are not reimbursed.

“When you are more successful than others, build a bigger table, not a taller fence”

Family is the most important to us and it was Dad who was her driving force. He always tried to help everyone, which was why he was highly appreciated by people. I remember he always said: when you are more successful than others, build a bigger table, not a taller fence.

Now my father needs help himself. We have very little time left, and the hope of collecting a sufficient sum is also waning. Meanwhile, money is the only way to cure and overcome cancer, so that dad can live. Therefore, as a daughter, I am asking for help on behalf of my father and our whole family.

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2. «I’ve been living in a pandemic for nine years. Cystic fibrosis is a terrible torment ». Marta’s story
3. Lung cancer – what symptoms should we be concerned about?

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