On November 4 our girl Nastia turned 18. In June 2004 she finished the 11th
grade, and in August she got sick. On September 2 our daughter was diagnosed
with an astrocytoma of the right temporal lobe, episyndrome.
Nastia was operated upon twice in a row at the Neurosurgical Institute named
after Professor A.L. Polenov, and the tumor decreased by 50%. Then our girl
was transferred to City Hospital 31 where she went through 7 chemotherapy
courses. But the tumor did not decrease in size within a year. That is why
she now needs a third surgery - there is a chance to remove the whole of the
tumor. The doctors of City Hospital 5 agreed to operate upon Nastia, and then
she will have to go through a course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy again.
Nastia was born in the town of Vsevolozhsk and grew up there. Since she is
registered there she cannot get treatment at the hospitals of St. Petersburg
free of charge. Regional department for healthcare refuses to pay for the
treatment. The surgery costs 60,000 roubles, and the radiation therapy course
to follow will require another 20,000 roubles, as for chemotherapy, it is impossible
to say now how much it will cost.
There are three children in our family. Nastia has been sick for over a year now,
and our finances have long been used up. At present we managed to borrow only
30,000 roubles, and the surgery cannot be postponed. It has to take place on
December 5 or 7. But what's next? We cannot pay for the upcoming treatment,
we cannot return the debts that we acquired during the time Nastia has been
sick.
That is why we address everyone who can help us: please help us save our girl!
Update as of December 12, 2005.
The surgery was a success, the tumor was removed, the blood vessels were
freed. Nastia is now at the intensive care unit.
Update as of December 21, 2005.
The surgery was a success, Nastia can already walk along the corridor,
she will soon be going home.
As decided by the doctors of Hospital 31 the
radiation therapy course is to start in two months. In the meantime Nastia
has to go through several courses of Temodal treatment.
Many thanks to Dmitri (donation of 20,000 roubles) and the anonymous
donator (500 roubles).
Nastia's parents
Update as of January 17, 2006.
Today Nastia is coming to City Hospital 31 to stay for postsurgical
chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Update as of January 30, 2006.
Nastia has to have three courses of Temodal treatment. Two courses will
be free of charge because we managed to get a prescription, but we will
need help with the third course scheduled for mid-February. One pack of
Temodal (5 capsules 100 mg each) costs 20,000 roubles.
Nastia is now at home. She is feeling ok. Radiation therapy is to follow,
and it will have to be paid for, because Nastia and her family want to
finish the treatment with the same doctor they had before, but the girl
has grown up and can no longer be treated at the pediatric unit. Radiation
therapy will cost 20,000 roubles.
Many thanks to the donator who sent 500 roubles to our bank account and
the one who gave us 100 dollars through Rita Kurianova!
Update as of February 22, 2006.
We thank Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Eminova from Nizhny Novgorod who sent
Temodal for Nastia for one course. Nastia has now finished her third
course of Temodal treatment, she feels well. On March 6 she is to have
an MRI scan after which a decision on radiation therapywill be made. MRI
will cost 5,000 roubles.
Today Nastia is coming to City Hospital 31 to stay for postsurgical
chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Update as of February 28, 2006.
Marincev.Ru donated $10 for Nastia's treatment. Thanks for your help!
Update as of March 7, 2006.
MRI showed a growth of cells around the postsurgical cyst. The diagnosis
has been specified based on histology: glioblastoma. That type of tumor
is a lot more malignant than an astrocytoma, which is why the doctors
decided on 25 courses of radiation therapy. We have to pay 17,500 roubles
for radiation therapy no later than Monday.
We kindly ask for help!!!
Update as of March 13, 2006.
The doctors decided on radiation therapy during the Temodal treatment
course within 35 days. The course is to start on March 20. Radiation
therapy (25 sessions) is 17,500 roubles, 35 capsules of Temodal cost
around 140,000 roubles.
Nastia's mother gives many thanks to the donators: Aleksei Shugal ($650), Dmitri (8,000 roubles), Andrei (17,500 roubles).
We used these donations to pay for radiation therapy and buy part of Temodal.
But help is still needed!!!
Update as of March 14, 2006.
Update: A chemotherapy course with Temodal is scheduled after radiation
therapy. 300 mg of Temodal will have to be taken for 5 days. For that we
need either 3 packs of 5 capsules 100 mg each or 1 250 mg pack + 2 20 mg
packs. Maybe someone will be able to donate the drug itself or money so
we can buy it. 5 capsules of Temodal (100 mg) cost around 20,000 roubles.
So the total sum required to buy Temodal is around 200,000 roubles (140,000
for Temodal to be taken together with radiation therapy and 60,000 roubles
for that to be taken after it).This drug is vitally important for Nastia
as her tumor does not react to any other drug. At present Temodal cannot
be acquired on prescription free of charge.
Nastia's new photo:
Update as of March 15, 2006.
Many thanks to Igor Yurievich Baturin who donated three packs of Temodal
for Nastia!
A month after radiation therapy Nastia will have another chemotherapy
course with Temodal. If her tumor responds, Nastia will need monthly 5-day
Temodal courses during a year.
Update as of March 29, 2006.
Nastia is getting radiation therapy. We have Temodal enough until July 1.
An anonymous donator sent 1,000 roubles to the bank account of Nastia's
mother, thanks a lot!
Update as of May 6, 2006.
Nastia is finishing radiation therapy and feeling ok. Nastia's mother kindly
asks for help with payment for an MRI scan scheduled for June 5 - it is
to cost 5,000 roubles.
Update as of June 5, 2006.
Many thanks to Dilya from St. Petersburg who donated 5,000 roubles for MRI.
An MRI scan showed some positive dynamics: the postsurgical cyst decreased
in size and accumulation of contrast agent is not that intensive. Nastia
is feeling well: her hemoglobin and leukocyte counts finally went up.
Until the beginning of September Nastia will be taking Temodal for 5 days each
month, we have Temodal enough until the beginning of August. Temodal is
not available on prescription free of charge again, they say it will be
by the beginning of July.
On September 4 Nastia is to have another MRI scan.
Update as of September 9, 2006.
We give our warmest thanks to Ira who sent Temodal for Nastia by mail.
Nastia's parents
Update as of September 15, 2006.
MRI showed that Nastia's condition is stable with minor positive dynamics.
The dosage of Temodal was decreased, and Nastia now needs Temodal in a 20 mg
dosage. It is not available on prescription free of charge so far.
Update as of October 4, 2006.
The dosage of Temodal was changed for Nastia - she now needs 20 mg capsules!
It is not available in prescription free of charge. We need four packs - the
total cost is 29,000 roubles.
Update as of October 19, 2006.
For the three upcoming courses of Temodal treatment we only managed to
get Temodal on prescription free of charge with the dosage of 100 mg.
That means that Nastia's parents have to buy additional Temodal with the
dosage of 20 mg for each course - Nastia's dosage is 120 mg per day.
Therefore,
- we need five packs by November 4,
- four packs by December 2, and four packs by December 30.
Distributors of Temodal in the Leningrad Region tell us that 20 mg capsules
will not be available on prescription free of charge in the near future.
One pack of Temodal with the dosage of 20 mg costs 7,250 roubles in St. Petersburg.
Update as of November 21, 2006.
We bought Temodal for Nastia with the money donated for the treatment of
"all patients" and the money donated to Nastia's parents.
Nastia now has Temodal until the New Year's. She feels well.
Update as of November 28, 2006.
Nastia finishes a course of Temodal on December 22, and on the 25th she
is scheduled for an MRI scan that will cost 5,900 roubles.
We need help!
Update as of December 18, 2006.
Nastia and her mother give many thanks to Dilya who donated 6,000 roubles
for Nastia's MRI scan!
Update as of December 21, 2006.
According to the results of MRI Nastia's condition worsened: one focus
increased and there is a small new focus. She now needs a follow-up
PET that will cost 6,000 roubles and is scheduled for January 15.
Update as of January 15, 2007.
PET showed that there is NO FOCUS in Nastia's brain. A slight accumulation
of contrast agent at computed tomography in two zones is explained by the
formation of connective tissue. Temodal is now canceled for two months,
another MRI scan is scheduled for March, and based on its results a
supportive protocol will be decided upon.
Many thanks to all donators that have been helping Nastia all this time!
Update as of March 30, 2007.
PET results show that Nastia is doing well. Her next scheduled examination
is in half a year.
Update as of June 22, 2007.
On June 12 Nastia had an MRI scan of the brain that showed positive dynamics
compared to the MRI scan of February 24, 2007. Accumulation of contract
agent is less intensive and the cyst somewhat decreased in size.
At present the doctors prescribed Nastia some medicines to reinforce the
vessels of the brain, such as Actovegin (120 pills for 60 days) and Berlition
(60 pills for 30 days). We need 10,000 roubles to buy them. PET is scheduled
for early September, it is to cost 4,200 roubles.
Update as of January 31, 2008.
Nastia had a scheduled PET, the results confirmed a complete remission.
Update as of April 8, 2008.
An MRI scan of March 31 showed negative dynamics, the formation increased
in size and there is an edema. The zone that accumulated contrast agent
increased in size to 2.5 x 3 cm. The doctors of the Burdenko Scientific
and Research Institute issued the following advisory opinion: most likely
it does not attest to the growth of the tumor but rather has to do with
post-radiation necrosis. On April 4, 2008 PET was performed, and it did
not confirm the growth of the tumor. Upon consultations with the oncologists
of City Hospital 31 and the neurosurgeon a decision was made to perform a
surgery to remove the focus and specify the diagnosis based on the results
of the histological examination.
Nastia's condition worsened: there is a weakness in her left leg and arm,
she is dizzy, she has headaches and is losing weight. She needs to take
Topamax, Actovegin, Dexamethazone, Diacarb, Panangin, Fenibut, Trental,
Magne B6, and the Nutrison nutrition. During the five days our expenses
for examinations, consultations, a trip to Moscow and medications amounted
to 27,000 roubles, we used up all our savings. The surgery will be performed
this week at City Hospital 26. The date of the surgery and all costs will
be known soon.
Best regards,
Nastia's mother, Svetlana Viktorovna Egorova
Update as of May 5, 2008.
The surgery was a success, the formation was removed completely. According
to preliminary estimations the formation contained foci of both post-radiation
necrosis and tumor. Histology is not ready yet. Nastia is recovering after
the surgery.
Update as of May 15, 2008.
Based on the results of histology, the removed formation did not contain
any live cancerous cells. Nastia has been discharged from hospital. She
is feeling better.
Update as of June 17, 2008.
Nastia is feeling ok. To recover after the surgery she needs to take Topamax
(100 mg, 2 packs), Actovegin, Gliatilin, Trental, Magne B6. A follow-up
PET is in a month.
Update as of July 6, 2008.
Nastia is feeling ok. She needs help with payment for the follow-up PET - 7,000
roubles, and also for everyday drugs.
Update as of July 9, 2008.
The follow-up PET did not reveal any foci of contrast agent accumulation,
Nastia is feeling well; her next MRI scan is scheduled for August.
Update as of August 26, 2008.
Nastia needs constant examinations: in the near future for example she
will have to go through PET (7,000 roubles).
Update as of October 13, 2008.
We give our sincere thanks to Dmitri who transferred 7,000 roubles to the
bank account of Nastia's parents' to pay for Nastia's PET. According to
the results of the examination there are no contrast agent accumulation
foci. Nastia is feeling well, on October 13 her exams at college start.
Examinations are scheduled for December.
Update as of December 12, 2008.
The follow-up MRI scan revealed a pathological contrast agent accumulation
focus in the fourth ventricle of the cerebrum. Nastia needs a PET with
methionine that will cost 8,758 roubles after a 30% discount. We kindly
ask for help with payment.
Update as of December 27, 2008.
We managed to schedule Nastia's PET for December 29. Many thanks to all
donators who helped pay for the tomography!
Update as of December 30, 2008.
A relapse was confirmed: there is a neoformation with the size of around
one centimeter in the fourth ventricle. Two treatment methods are being
discussed now: a surgical removal of the focus followed by radiation
therapy combined with Temodal treatment or just radiation therapy and Temodal.
The decision will be made after additional consultations on January 11.
In any case Nastia will need 40 capsules of Temodal with the dosage of
100 mg and 40 more capsules with the dosage of 20 mg, a total of 8 100 mg
packs amounting to 208,000 roubles and 8 20 mg packs amounting to approximately
48,000 roubles (Moscow prices as of end of December, in St. Petersburg the
drug is 30% more expensive). We ask for help with payment for the drug.
At present Temodal is not available on prescription free of charge in the
Leningrad Region.
Update as of January 14, 2009.
Nastia was able to get 55 capsules of Temodal (100 mg) and six packages of
Avastin for post-operative chemotherapy for free. Temodal in 20 mg dosage
is not yet available in the pharmacies for patients under free drug program.
All the pre-operative consultations are scheduled for January 26th. The
operation will take place on January 27th. Our fund covered the cost of
the operation using donations sent to all patients.
Update as of January 28, 2009.
On January 27th Nastia underwent Gamma knife surgery in Moscow. She
tolerated it well. On February 4th she will start a five-day course of
chemotherapy with Temodal. This drug is currently available. Nastia is
planned to have MRI scan on February 25th and PET scan on February 27th,
and we received money for these tests from our supporters in December.
Thank you very much for your help!
We need close to 5,000 rubles a month for the current medications: Actovegin,
Berlition, Berocca, Emeset, Dexamethasone and others. They will be needed
for a long time.
Nastia's mom
Update as of April 15, 2009.
On April 20th Nastia will be administered Avastin, and on April 21, she
will complete the third course of chemotherapy (Temodal and Avastin).
On April 22, Nastia is scheduled for MRI, and on April 24 - for PET imaging.
She needs 16,000 rubles to pay for all the testing. Nastia feels well and
her blood test results are normal.
Update as of April 28, 2009.
The MRI and PET results showed positive dynamic in shrinking of the tumor in
the fourth ventricle of brain. Only traces of tumor remain. A decision was made
to continue chemotherapy with Temodal under the previous protocol (10
days at 120 mg and 11 days at 100 mg). MRI, PET
Nastia has been off Avastin for the last three weeks. Ten days ago, Nastia
developed serious problems with her facial nerve. The reason for it is not yet
determined and the therapy prescribed by the neurologist (Gliatilin, Trental,
Dexamethasone, Neuromidin, etc) is not helping.
The doctors decided to monitor Nastia for another week, and on May 5th she
may be administered Avastin. We need 12,000 rubles for medications,
hospitalization at the pediatric unit of City hospital No.31 and
Nutrizon nutrition.
Respectfully,
Svetlana Viktorovna, Nastia's mom
Update as of June 11, 2009.
On June 10th Nastia completed the fifth chemotherapy round with Temodal.
On July 4th she is planned to start 6th round with Avastin. For now,
this medication is not administered until the new test results
are available.
The problems with Nastia's facial nerve remain the same. On June 5,
Nastia had electromyography test to determine the degree of the damage
to the facial nerve. The result is not that bad. The damage to the nerve
near Nastia'a eye is 20%, and near the mouth is 50%.
Nastia needs to undergo MRI scan on July 15th, and PET imaging on
July 17th. The total cost of the tests is 16,000 rubles. In addition,
she needs 1,200 rubles for medications.
We are very grateful to Artem and Elena who continually support us.
Respectfully,
Svetlana Viktorovna, Nastia's mom
Update as of July 29, 2009.
Nastia was tested, and the MRI result is not very good. The contrast
is again accumulating in the 4th ventricle of bran, in the zone about 1
cm in size. The PET result was good, and it shows lack of metabolic activity.
After a consultation with Nastia's treating doctor at Municipal hospital No.31,
The doctors decided to administer two courses of chemotherapy with Temodal
and repeat tests in two months.
For now, we are receiving Temodal under free medication program.
Nastia feels well.
In August we will need 10,000 rubles for the current medications, and
in September – 26,000 rubles for medications and tests.
Respectfully,
Svetlana Viktorovna, Nastia's mom
Update as of August 3, 2009.
Nastia is feeling worse. The facial nerve paralysis spread to
the left side of her face and her speech became unclear.
After visits of specialists - neurologist, ophthalmologist and
neurosurgeon, a new diagnosis was established: ischemic stroke
of brain stem.
All Nastia's prescriptions were kept, and she was also prescribed
Dexamethasone (16 pills a day) and Omeprazole. Chemotherapy with
Temodal was postponed indefinitely. The doctors will
monitor Nastia's condition.
We are now facing a difficult task: how to continue treatment of
the main disease without making Nastia's neurological situation worse.
Respectfully,
Svetlana Viktorovna, Nastia's mom
Update as of August 26, 2009.
Nastia is feeling worse. On August 25th we went to a consultation with
neurologist at Military Medical Academy. The neurologist referred us to a
surgeon. Before our visit, we need to undergo MRI with contrast
agent and Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics test at MMA.
The MRI costs 12,000 rubles and we were scheduled for September 1.
Please help us with paying for it.
Nastia's mom
Update as of September 8, 2009.
The MRI scan showed Nastia has negative dynamic. She needs to undergo
PET imaging with methionine that will cost 10,000 rubles.
Update as of September 17, 2009.
We are doing pretty well. Yesterday, Nastia had PET and the
results are good, so she will stay off chemotherapy for three
more months. The next test is planned for November or December.
Nastia is feeling well. She only has residual issues with her
facial nerve. She is now studying for the state tests at
high school.
Nastia's mom
Update as of September 30, 2009.
Nastia graduated from college and received an entrepreneur diploma. She
is now continuing to take medications for the facial nerve therapy.
We signed up for the second electromyography of the facial nerve at Brain
Institute on October 9th. The cost of this test is 3,000 rubles. Together
with the cost of medications, we need to spend 10,000 rubles in October.
On November 11th, Nastia needs to undergo MRI scan that costs 6,500 rubles.
The PET imaging is planned for the beginning of December and will cost
9,500 rubles. Please help us with paying for the tests and medications.
Nastia's mom
Update as of October 16, 2009.
Nastia's condition worsened drastically, and she went for unplanned MRI
of brain and spine on October 12th. Bone marrow is clear, and in the
brain she has small negative change. After the consultation with oncologist
and neurosurgeon, the consensus was that it is not due to tumor growth,
but to necrosis that is treated only with medications. It was decided to
start Nastia on active medical therapy. It will cost at least 10,000 rubles
a month. Please help us with buying medications.
Nastia's mom
Update as of November 16, 2009.
Nastia does not feel very well. She continues taking medications to
improve cerebral circulation, such as Actovegin, Trental, Cavinton and
others. She also has to receive hormonal therapy (dexamethasone) again.
Nastia is completing a course of massage and physical therapy, and medical
personnel visits us at home.
On December 4th Nastia is scheduled to go for PET imaging that will cost
10,000 rubles. Please help us with paying for PET and buying medications
for the total of 10,000 rubles.
Nastia's mom
Update as of December 25, 2009.
According to the PET results there is no satisfactory evidence of
tumor growth but both MRI and PET should be repeated in a month.
MRI scan is scheduled for January 27 (the cost is 6,000 roubles)
and PET for February 4 (10,000 roubles).
Nastia also continues to take drugs that help brain blood vessels.
We are asking for financial help in January: 10,000 roubles for
the drugs and 16,000 for examinations.
Nastia's mom
Update as of January 15, 2010.
Nastia's condition worsened drastically, and it was decided to refer
her for unplanned brain MRI on January 14th. Objectively speaking,
her situation is stable.
Nastia's mom
Update as of January 15, 2010.
Based on MRI results as of
January 14, 2010, Nastia has positive dynamic.
The pathologic lesion in the 4th ventricle had shrunk in half compared
to MRI as of October 12, 2009, and her bone marrow is clear.
On February 4, Nastia is scheduled to go for PET with methionine and
it will require 14,000 rubles. Please help us with paying for PET.
Nastia's mom
Update as of February 10, 2010.
Nastia underwent PET imaging. She is stable.
Update as of April 9, 2010.
MRI as of April 7th showed stable disease. PET is scheduled for June and
will cost 14,000 rubles. We also need help with buying medications to
improve brain vessels circulation.
Nastia's mom
Update as of May 12, 2010.
At the beginning of May Nastia developed problems with her stomach
and esophagus. Any food was causing her pain and vomiting.
Her treating doctor at City hospital No.31 prescribed Diflucan and
Quamatel for possible fungal infection, which could develop due to
long-term hormonal therapy. Currently, Nastia is feeling better.
She was recommended to continue therapy until the end of the month.
PET was scheduled for June 18th and will cost 18,000 rubles.
MRI was scheduled for early July and will cost 6,500 rubles.
Nastia's mom
Update as of May 28, 2010.
Nastia is again feeling worse: she suffers from severe vomiting.
In connection with that, a decision was made to refer her for brain
MRI and stomach fibrogastroscopy to understand the reason for
worsening in her condition.
Based on MRI scan, she is stable. However, fibrogastroscopy showed
that Nastia has two small erosions and chronic gastritis. She was very
dehydrated, so she was urgently put on IV drip.
Based on results of the tests, her doctor prescribed the following
therapy for gastrointestinal problems: Pariet, Almagel, Duphalac,
Multi-Tabs Active and other medication. The next examination will
be PET with methionine and it will take place on June 18th.
Update as of June 23, 2010.
Based on PET imaging results as of June 18, 2010, Nastia is stable
in regards to primary diagnosis. However, after cancellation of hormonal
therapy, she developed swelling, so next week she will have her
kidneys examined. Nastia still suffers from vomiting.
Nastia's mom
Update as of July 8, 2010.
Yesterday, Nastia had severe seizures and was hospitalized in a hospital
in Vsevolzhsk. There she was put on artificial lung ventilation right away.
Today Nastia feels better, she is conscious and breathes by herself.
She will be visited by a neurologist.
Correspondent Bank:
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas,
SWIFT: BKTRUS33
Beneficiary Bank:
OJSC Bank Petrovski (f. EEFC Bank Plc.)
SWIFT: PETRRU2P
Account No. 04096265
Beneficiary:
Non-Profit Organization
"AdVita Charitable Foundation",
account # 40703840712001000468
*,**
Correspondent Bank:
Deutsche Bank AG,
SWIFT: DEUTDEFF
Beneficiary Bank:
OJSC Bank Petrovski (f. EEFC Bank Plc.)
SWIFT: PETRRU2P
Account No. 100 9497918 1000
Beneficiary:
Non-Profit Organization
"AdVita Charitable Foundation",
account # 40703978312001000468
*,**
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