Help Lithuanian Kids in their Battle with Cancer

                                     Little Gustukas

Without realizing it, summer has sprung up, where everywhere already smells of autumn, nature pulsates with autumn coolness in the mornings, the heart and the corners of the soul are caressed and delighted by the autumnal natural landscapes, and we returned from the 38th Gusto's eye check-up visit with autumnally warm news - a record lasting more than 11 months the "sleep" period of the old foci of the tumor mass (located inside the yellow spots of the eyes), no new foci of the tumor were detected, no treatment procedures were applied. Gustuk's mother Ugne makes us happy with such news
It was possible to carry out fundus examinations (ophthalmoscopy) and photography, but to refuse narcosis (in order to reduce the side effects of narcosis on the body) until Gust turns four years old and to rely only on the results of ophthalmoscopy and optometric tests, according to the doctors, is too risky for now. During each visit, an attempt will be made to become better "friends" with the devices required for performing ophthalmoscopy, so that Gust acquires as many practical skills as possible, especially being able to maintain attention and look in different directions when visualizing the peripheral parts of the fundus of the eye. We hope that after Gust gains practical experience, the results of ophthalmoscopy examinations will not cause doubts for doctors and in the long run it will be possible to avoid narcosis.
This time, after recovering from anesthesia, regaining consciousness and vital functions, when we could safely leave the premises of Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Gust decided to walk to the metro station, holding his hand. After walking a few steps (there is more than one tactile guideway leading from/to the hospital, consisting of white raised guide strips and warning points, intended for people with visual impairments to better orient themselves in the outdoor space, not to lose their way and to protect themselves from the many obstacles on the way) we saw in front of us a grown-up child walking along the guideway, one hand holding a white cane and touching the path, the other holding on to what is probably his mother's hand.
Grief gripped my heart to the depths, unconsciously I squeezed Gust's hand harder. The inexhaustible feeling of gratitude, respect and the realization that if it were not for the financial pool of noble-hearted people, which began more than 3.5 years ago, and the opportunity to access professional eye treatment procedures applied in Switzerland in cases of malignant retinal tumors, Gust could have been in that child's place. ..
It is not known how the twists and turns of health and life will turn out, but for today Gust walks, dances, is able to develop the skills of riding a scooter, a bicycle, can be a part of society, which is an intangible blessing. The next visit is scheduled for November at the beginning.

                                                     Little Rusnyte

2024.05.27 Rusne's second visit to Julies Gonin eye hospital for an eye examination with anesthesia. In the hospital, there is a room from which parents leave either with tears in their eyes or with a smile on their faces. The eye oncologist came to us with not very good news... The first intra-arterial chemotherapy did not affect the tumor, although there were high hopes, but the doctor did not want to give up and gave the same two injections directly into the eye again and agreed to a second intra-arterial chemotherapy with two different drugs with hope again , that maybe this time that tumor will start to collapse.
On May 29, 2024, our day started at 7 a.m. in the morning and ended only at 9 p.m. leaving Chuv Hospital. Rusne's chemotherapy was seriously delayed, but finally at 13:00. we went to the operating room together and I could only be there until he fell asleep. Unfortunately, parents are not allowed to stay with the child while this procedure is being performed.
I spent 3 hours in the corridors. The first time, chemotherapy took less than two hours. This time I was worried about why it took so long, whether everything is okay, why no one is inviting me to Rusna. In the end, after bringing Rusna from the operating room, the nurse calls me to talk with the anesthesiologist. The operation went quite smoothly, only at one point Rusna stopped breathing and needed a small dose of adrenaline... As they say, such cases are very rare, but it happened to us too...
After the conversation with the anesthesiologist, a radiologist visited, who explained the entire process during the applied chemotherapy. Of course, the oncologist also visited us. We are very happy that such a large team of doctors takes time for the interview, as we know that a doctor has about 15 minutes. to counsel the patient. With best wishes and hope, we say goodbye to the medical team until next month's visit.
While I was waiting for Rusne, I saw a big box with toys. Since French is foreign to me, I turned on the translator. It turns out that the money for these purchased toys is given to the "Planetes Enfants Malades" fund for sick children, who take care of the children's well-being while spending time in the hospital and their physical and emotional health after treatment. This time the bear went to Rusna, because she is my little fighter Next time I promised that we will give it to a child we meet with the same diagnosis.
I am very grateful that we have the opportunity to come here to the best specialists in their field, who put all their hopes in preserving Rusne's akyte. We would like to thank the Mothers' Union for your support, thanks to which we have the opportunity to go to Switzerland for eye cancer treatment.
Thank you for your faith, support and positive thoughts
We are grateful for any support for Rusne - it is an opportunity for her to continue her treatment.