Hello!
My name is Natalia Belavina. My little son Arseny was born on January 1,
2008 – and we could not imagine a better gift for the New Year! In October
2008, Arseny's ear started to ache and we went to a clinic. From there we
were referred to hospital #4 with diagnosis of acute otitis. During examination
at the hospital, it turned out that my son's liver and spleen were enlarged,
while his hemoglobin count was decreasing. We were transferred to Hematology
unit of Children's hospital No.1 where tests continued, and Arseny received a
course of antibiotics and blood transfusion.
Hemoglobin count went back to normal, and my son's liver and spleen started
to get smaller. He was discharged with a diagnosis of anemia. Once a month,
we were coming to the hospital for control test of hemoglobin count. Three
months later, on March 10, 2009, during planned checkup, it was discovered
that hemoglobin count is very low, and we were admitted to Hematology unit
again for blood transfusion. However, this time, hemoglobin levels continued
to drop, and then platelets followed suit. After a while, Arseny developed
fever (39C) that was impossible to bring under control. Arseny was taken to
intensive care unit where he had a puncture. He was then issued a new
diagnosis – one of the rarest types of histiocytosis. We were transferred
to Acute Leukemia chemotherapy unit where Arseny started treatment.
Our current situation is as follows: my husband was studying at Military
Medical Academy to become intensive care unit anesthesiologist. For the last
two years, he was an intern at MMA, and based on that we had a temporary
registration in St. Petersburg until July 1, 2009, so Arseny received
treatment at Children's City hospital No.1 under a municipal quota. Now our
registration is gong to expire, but we cannot interrupt Arseny's treatment,
as he is in a serious condition and his life depends on blood transfusions
and injection of medications. He cannot travel in this condition. Also, we are
originally from a small town in Perm region that lacks good hematology
specialists. My husband discharged from the army and he will start working
at dialysis unit of City hospital No.3. Currently we are trying to extend our
registration in St. Petersburg, as we have relatives in the city, but until
that happens, we will be transferred to treatment that will be billed at full
cost, starting July 1.
We cannot afford to pay full cost of treatment. I stay at the hospital with
our son, while my husband's salary barely covers food and apartment rent. We
are asking AdVita fund supporters to respond to our need and help us pay for
our child's treatment.
We will be grateful for any help!
Update as of August 23, 2009.
Arceny feels better, and his condition is
starting to stabilize. Fortunately, his parents were able to receive
registration in St. Petersburg, and Arceny is continuing treatment under a
quota.
As of today, Children's hospital No.1 billed our fund 38,694 rubles
for the treatment Arceny already received.
Update as of October 2, 2009.
Arceny's condition is serious. Treatment with Vinblastine was put on
hold due to Arceny's very low blood counts. He receives daily transfusions
of blood components and Albumin. Further treatment will depend on the
results of puncture and CT scan, which will be available on Monday. Arceny
had a visit by transplantologists. However, due to severity of his condition,
transplantation would not be possible at this time.
Update as of November 17, 2009.
Arceny was prescribed three rounds of therapy with Cladribine. We completed
the first round, and Arceny is feeling well and is more active. On Thursday
we will start the second round. Arceny's protein count is still fluctuating
and he needs Albumin. Thank you for your help, everybody!
Natalia, Arceny's mom
Update as of January 18, 2010.
Arceny is back at intensive care unit with fungal infection in his lungs.
He urgently needs Cancidas.
