It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Zofia…

Fall is the season for colds

When Zofia developed a cough at the start of fall, she didn’t think much of it. Autumn brings such symptoms every year. The cough came and was supposed to go away. This time, however, it wouldn’t go away. Instead of subsiding, it became more and more persistent and harder to ignore. The decision to see a doctor was a natural one. The referral for testing came quickly. So did the results. Fromthat moment, everything began to take a different turn.

A difficult start to treatment

Further tests in Wrocław left no room for doubt. They merely confirmed the earlier diagnosis. The decision to begin treatment was made almost immediately; the doctors opted for chemotherapy, which, as it later turned out, was ineffective. The body, too, had its limits. After the fourth cycle, high blood pressure and marked weakness set in, and during treatment, shingles developed. That was the moment when the body’s limits became clear.

The subsequent stages of treatment do not involve a break

The disease doesn’t stop, so treatment can’t stop either. Zofia is scheduled to undergo radiation therapy to the head, followed by the chest. Each subsequent stage requires strength, which is becoming increasingly scarce. Thyroid problems remain an additional burden, affecting her overall health and her body’s ability to recover.

The power of family

Zofia is not alone in her illness. She lives with her younger sister and granddaughter. Their presence fills the house with quiet support that needs no words. In a daily life that was once ordinary, everything now carries greater significance. Every day, her daughter comes to give her an anticoagulant injection. 

A body drained of strength and restless thoughts

Zofia is now retired. She used to imagine this time of her life differently—much more peaceful. With room for rest and small pleasures. Today, her daily life looks different; fatigue sets in suddenly and without warning. Changes in her brain mean that peace of mind is no longer a given, and daily life is no longer predictable.

What used to be part of the day is now out of reach

Zofia used to find peace in small pleasures. She created beautiful floral arrangements, sewed skillfully on a sewing machine, and could spend hours solving crossword puzzles. Today, her days look completely different. Her illness fills every hour, and her lack of strength prevents her from enjoying her favorite pastimes. 

In this situation, it’s not about a single moment, but about continuity

The treatment is ongoing and will continue. Each stage requires organization, constant attention, and the ability to adapt to changes in her health. An additional challenge is daily life, which becomes increasingly difficult to manage due to her illness. Zofia requires a special diet, but her meager pension does not allow her to purchase the necessary food. She also lacks the funds for medications and visits to specialists.