The animal helper needs help herself to fight cancer!
My name is Kasia. Not long ago, I was a healthy, energetic vet who loved to treat her furry patients. I loved to travel. When I was in college, I worked as a volunteer in a pet clinic for homeless animals in a small village in India. I wish I could return to traveling and exploring the world, but the disease made it impossible. At the beginning of 2024, I unexpectedly developed a rare type of bile duct cancer. As a doctor, I became a patient myself. The diagnosis came as a shock to me, even though this disease runs in my family – two of my grandparents had died of liver cancer. It looks like I was destined to have it. It took some time to make a diagnosis, though. It wasn't until I developed hepatitis and was rushed to the emergency room that the doctors performed an ultrasound and discovered a 4-cm-large tumor in the liver hilum. I had several surgeries to drain bile ducts pressed on by the tumor. Once a week, I undergo chemotherapy, which has already contributed to improving my health. After three months of treatment, the cancer in the hilum and the metastatic tumors have shrunk. For this type of cancer, chemo is not enough, though. I need surgery to remove the tumor or a liver transplant. These are complex procedures that aren't always possible to perform. It is the reason why I have been consulting specialists from different countries. Meanwhile, I handle chemo well and haven't experienced hair loss, which is crucial for every woman's self-esteem when she goes through the cancer drama. I also try to spend as much time with my family as possible. I undergo regular check-ups, CTs, and MRI scans and consult various specialists. Once in a few months, I have my biliary drainage catheters changed due to blockage. Soon, I am going to need expensive immunotherapy, as well. Thankfully, all my treatments and surgeries performed in the cancer center are insurance-covered. However, I must pay for specialist appointments and quick examinations out of pocket. I wish I could return to my previous activities and beloved occupation and participate in the lives of my family members, who care about me and fight for my health. Unfortunately, the one thing that stands in our way is money. Please support me in my battle and donate! Kasia