08.12.2023
Anastasia from Makeyevka is 27 years old. When she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, it seemed that there was no way out. Anastasia is currently undergoing her first course of chemotherapy at the NMRC for Hematology of the Ministry of Health of Russia and believes that she will win.Anastasia fell ill with acute leukemia during pregnancy. It started with complaints of abdominal pain. When the blood tests came back, the doctors immediately sent Anastasia to Donetsk, where the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was confirmed. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save the pregnancy. For Anastasia, treatment at the NMRC for Hematology is a chance to return to a normal, fulfilling life.
“Many thanks to the doctors of the Hematology Center for accepting me as a patient. I really want to live and fully trust my doctors. The doctors and nurses treat me very well. They are constantly interested in my state of health. During the week I spent here, I underwent a complete examination: computed tomography of the brain, lungs, echocardiography of the heart, and ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs after surgery, which I underwent in Donetsk. All this was in order to have a complete picture of my condition and continue to prescribe treatment,” says Anastasia.After the first chemotherapy, I feel good. There is no vomiting or nausea. I was very afraid, but everything went well. I smile and hope for the best. In addition to chemotherapy, the doctors do everything that is necessary according to the protocol: hormone drips, monitor blood counts, etc. Everything is going according to plan now. I’m really counting on the professionalism of the doctors and for my body to cope, and then it will become easier.
The first stage of chemotherapy is designed for 36 days. This does not mean that the treatment will end. It is quite long, fully designed for 2.5 years. Of course, I won't spend all this time in the hospital. The main thing now is to go into remission, and the next stage of treatment will be bone marrow transplantation. I have already been tested for typing and will soon start looking for a donor who will suit me 100%. And after the transplant, if everything goes well, the doctors will let me go on living my wonderful life.
At the Hematology Center, you don't feel like you're in a hospital at all. It's more like a sanatorium. The food is very good here, like it is at home.
After the first course of chemotherapy, I will be transferred to a day hospital for treatment. This is a big problem for us. We will have to rent an apartment near the hematology center, but we will definitely manage.
My entire family — dad, grandmothers, and husband, is at home in Makeyevka. I got married this year. My mother temporarily lives in the Moscow region with her brother and comes to bring me clean clothes and transfers. We have a very close-knit family. They are all waiting for me, hoping and believing in my recovery. This is my biggest motivation, my support. We call each other, we hold on to each other. It is very difficult to talk about my illness, but when friends and colleagues find out, they send me pleasant words of support. I know I'm going to be cured. This confidence lives in me. Illness is a test for me, and it is a test that I will pass.I heard about your project "I will live!" Maybe one day my photo will be in this project as well.
I work in the civil service, and I really love my job. There is very little time for rest, the schedule is tight, and the work carries with it many responsibilities. After work we immediately run home. In childhood and adolescence, I was involved in sports. Now I am fond of knitting and embroidery. I embroidered a towel for my wedding and made beautiful candles.I want there to be as many bone marrow donors as possible, so that I can find a donor. I really want science to develop, and if my story somehow helps the development of the bone marrow donor registry, I will be very happy. I have the motivation to get well, there is hope. I really love life and I know that everything will be fine.
