Dear friends.

The fund-raising for Anastasia's treatment was finished. Thank you very much for help!

Other photos of Anastasia

Anastasia is 18. She was diagnosed with alveolar IV degree rhabdomyosarcoma with damage to left breast, sacral plexus, thigh and piriformis muscles, right trapezoid muscle, lymph nodes below left jaw and above left collarbone. She is a high-risk patient.
In March 2003, a dense bump the size of a plum appeared on my daughter Anastasia's buttocks area. The bump did not cause any suspicion from her therapist and surgeon. I have to note that my daughter was regularly visiting her doctors since she was on a disability after the kidney operation in February 2002.
After Anastasia graduated from high school in May 2003, our family decided to move from a town of Volgodonsk to a beautiful St. Petersburg. At that time (end of November 2003), the bump that was dormant till then became a problem. It started to bother Anastasia when she was touching it, and it grew to the size of an egg. If we knew she had a cancer, everything would be different. Unfortunately, back then we only began our visitations of the various doctors. It is difficult to recreate the record of all the consultations we received in six months until Anastasia was diagnosed. Below are the main clinics we visited:

- November 2003: Regional clinic (consultations of therapist and surgeon).
- December 2003: Oncology Institute in Pesochny (consultation with oncologist).
- January 2004: Family Medicine clinic (consultation with Oncology professor)
- March 2004: Military Medical Academy (Anastasia was operated and given a diagnosis)
- April 2004: City hospital No. 31 (first chemotherapy)
- May 2004: Transfer to Regional Oncology clinic as Anastasia turned 18.

In January 2004, a second tumor appeared on Anastasia's left collarbone. In February, the third tumor grew under her left ear. They were growing very fast. The tumor under her buttock became so large that it was difficult for Anastasia to wear pants. Soon, she could not longer step on her left foot.
The tumor development was so quick that the specialists only scratched their heads and referred us to more experienced specialists, who sent us to even more experts. The weeks were passing by, and the outcome was nowhere in sight. Nobody was taking the responsibility to set the accurate diagnosis.
After another call to emergency (Anastasia was already given narcotics due to unbearable pains), she was taken to the Military Medical Academy to the abdominal surgery department. After 2 days, on March 23, 2004, she was operated and the tumors on her collarbone and neck were removed. She was transferred to the Hematology department, where she was found to have two new tumors, in her breast and abdomen. After additional tests, in the regional pathologo-anatomical bureau, the diagnosis was issued.
Subsequently, Anastasia began chemotherapy that caused a significant decrease in the tumors. Right now, Nastia is at the Regional Oncology clinic, where she will continue receiving chemotherapy.
In connection with this situation, after six months of the visits to the hospitals, examinations, operations and post-operation care for Anastasia I lost my job. The private business owner did not want to deal with my problems. My wife is also not receiving any income at this time, as she took an unpaid leave. We are asking for help to get us through the upcoming chemotherapy sessions.

Thank you in advance,
Igor Ilinsky (dad).

Updated as of June 1, 2004. Nastia completed the second chemotherapy course. After the first one, she lost 6 kg, and after the second one she lost another 6 kg. Currently, her height is 167 and her weight is only 40 kg. Aside from weight loss, she also had the following complications after completion of chemotherapy: acute leucopenia, clinical agranulocytosis, febrile neutropenia, thrombopenia and aphthous stomatitis.

Updated as of June 2, 2004. Nastia was released from the hospital in the moderately serious condition. She is pale and asthenic, and eats only semi-liquid food. Her tumor in the buttock area is approximately 2 cm and she needs help to walk. In addition to her low weight and stomatitis, she is also bothered by her left leg. She has constant aches and she cannot step on it, as she has strong pains in her foot and knee.
Nastia was prescribed symptomatic therapy to be given at home. She receives Magne B6, polyvitamins, Panangin, Lespenephril, Megace, Totema, Riboxin, Finlepsin and a once-weekly injection of Vincristine. She is also given therapy for the stomatitis and is on a special diet. After some rest and recovery, Nastia will start the third chemotherapy course on June 21, 2004.
Nastia's mom is taking care of her and is constantly at her side, while I took a job on June 1st. However, we still have a problem with paying for the rented apartment and we accumulated a debt of 20,000 rubles for just May and June expenses. Our total debt for all the months of examinations and treatment (starting November 2003) is over $5,000. We will be very grateful for any financial support.

Updated as of August 6, 2004. Nastia is feeling much better. She gained 3 kg, and she sleeps and eats well. Her leg is still weak, but its sensitivity had returned, and Nastia can feel tickles. For now, Nastia is staying home, and on August 12th, Nastia and her mom will return to the hospital in Kuzmolovo.

Updated as of December 15, 2004. Yesterday, after completing the seventh chemotherapy course and various tests, Nastia's doctor told us that Nastia is healthy. She will no longer have to receive chemotherapy! We are so happy! Nastia is feeling great, although she still cannot believe that she WON! Our family would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us in during our difficult times.
Ilinisky family