02.02.2022
Good afternoon.
Due to COVID, additional doctor's orders, and checkups at the hospital 10, Artem's follow-up has been delayed for several months. Today, the results of the additional tests that the doctor constantly prescribes for him arrived. Tomorrow, he's going to the hospital with them and hopefully will finally receive his discharge and appointments. Belgium is also awaiting his final checkup, which will determine whether we need to fly there this year. His health status regarding his primary condition has remained unchanged for the past two years, with minor fluctuations, both for better and worse. But concomitant conditions have developed: varicose veins in both lower extremities (which is why he underwent additional tests and treatment at his last checkup in a neighboring department), joint pain that arises from nowhere (rarely - over the past year there have been 3 times, but it's very severe, he's bedridden and can't get up), and joint pain (he was referred to the City Clinical Hospital to determine the cause 11. Now I need to somehow convince him to go and get checked out). Because of the underlying condition, doctors are afraid to prescribe medications, so in the case of varicose veins, treatment consists of physical therapy and wearing stockings (checkups in 3 months). Constant, deep, purulent rashes on the skin of his face, back, and chest have not subsided. All this combined has seriously undermined his emotional state in recent years. Honestly, I don't even know what worries me more right now. It's probably his emotional state, because it's the foundation of his health. Psychologists aren't exactly cheap these days. I used their services several times 3-4 in the last 4 months, but I left until better times.
With respect to everyone and hope for a healthy and happy future for Artyom, the Fomin family.
06.06.2021
Good evening!
We've had another checkup. Due to the fact that the ultrasound and standard tests for our condition showed abnormalities, the leading physician ordered additional blood tests and a repeat ultrasound. Based on the results, a new course of treatment has been prescribed for the next 6 months and an ultrasound follow-up in 1 month.
Thank you all so much for your support and assistance; we are very grateful.
Sincerely, Inga.
19.05.2021
Good evening!
The medications prescribed to Artyom by his leading gastroenterologist in October 2020 for the following 6 months have allowed him to maintain relative stability in his health. For the past six months, my son has continued his treatment and maintenance therapy as prescribed by his discharge from City Clinical Hospital No.10.
In April we were due to have another check-up, on the basis of which we would receive corrected instructions for further therapy. But because of the quarantine situation in the city, and therefore in the hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories, the check-up dragged on. We are in the middle of it now. We have been waiting 3 weeks for the test results from the laboratory of consultative and diagnostic centre No.20. As soon as we receive them we shall ask the attending doctor for his conclusions. Artem had the ultrasound examination back at the beginning of May (see the attachment). We cannot judge its results, as we are not competent. But the size of the spleen troubled us greatly. Compared with the check-up of October 2020, it has grown considerably and is now 3 times larger than normal. A pathology of the splenic vein was also found - it has become dilated and tortuous. The right lobe of the liver has grown slightly. The other readings are practically unchanged.
The examination and check-up at the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc have been postponed, since his state of health is so far relatively stable. And that is thanks to correctly chosen therapy (enormous gratitude to the gastroenterologist Iryna Illinichna) and to timely help in the form of medicines and drugs (boundless gratitude to all our helpers who give us all-round support).
We shall be sure to report the results of the check-up, the conclusions and the prescriptions in a further letter.
With respect and gratitude, the Fomin family.
20.10.2020
Good afternoon!
For six months, Artyom followed the recommendations of his leading doctor. New hepatoprotective medications, medications for microflora and toxin removal, and repeated treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections yielded modest positive results. Following the latest follow-up and treatment at City Clinical Hospital No. 10 , several improvements have occurred that inspire us and give us renewed strength to act and fight the disease:
- the gallbladder contents, in the form of putty-like bile, previously occupied a third of the gallbladder; now, the inhomogeneous, high-density contents are found only in the neck;
- the spleen area has decreased by 5 cm2;
- blood tests, such as liver function tests, have returned to normal after the treatment.
The liver ultrasound is still at the previous level, but we believe that, given the aforementioned improvements, positive changes will occur here too.
We have now received new appointments for the next 6 months. We hope that together with you, we will achieve consistently positive dynamics. Artyom has been receiving constant treatment and maintenance therapy for 10 years. Medications, medications, examinations, and tests have exhausted us financially.
Thank you all for your support. Only thanks to your support was my son able to complete the expensive course of treatment prescribed by the doctor for the past six months and achieve positive changes in his health.
We are incredibly grateful for your comprehensive assistance.
Sincerely, the Fomin family.
22.03.2020
Hello!
In March 2020 of this year, Artyom underwent his next local checkup. The test results were virtually unchanged.
Positive: A blood test showed a decrease in bilirubin by 8,7 micromoles; An ultrasound examination revealed that the accessory lobe of the spleen had decreased slightly, with an area of 18x15 mm.
Negative: Blood AST and GGT increased by an average of 13 units, alkaline phosphatase was 154 U/L with a normal range of 115 U/L; An ultrasound of the spleen showed an increase in size, measuring 96 cm2 with the normal range of – to 50 cm2. Other parameters are unchanged.
The patient's overall condition is relatively stable. The skin condition is very concerning, but the attending physician said seasonal changes have begun.
Therapy has been adjusted. Repeat courses of treatment for bacteria, fungi, and giardia have been prescribed. New medications for the microflora, to eliminate toxins, and ongoing maintenance therapy in the form of hepatoprotectors and medications used for biliary tract diseases have been prescribed.
After discussions with our supervisor, the date for examinations and follow-up at the Saint-Luc clinic in Belgium has been postponed until August-September 2020 of this year, assuming there are no health problems for Artyom. We will discuss the date more specifically in early May.
Thank you all so much for all your help and support!
Sincerely, the Fomin family.
08.01.2020
Good afternoon everyone!
A little news about Artyom. The treatment previously prescribed by the leading physician was adjusted and continued after a follow-up visit in December. There is a slight positive result. It's too early to talk about the dynamics of improvement, but our hope for a possible recovery has nevertheless grown stronger.
Blood counts remained approximately the same, but an ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen was encouraging. The results for all four areas have improved slightly. This gives us the strength to move forward, to seek paths to recovery with the doctors, to try and not give up. After all, my son's diagnosis, – primary sclerosing cholangitis – is still not fully understood by medicine. The cause of this disease is unknown, and there are no treatments for it. As a result, – transplantation.
The date of our follow-up appointment at the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc has not yet been set. Negotiations are ongoing. We will communicate the results later.
Sincerely, the Fomin family.
01.10.2019
Good afternoon everyone!
This month, Artyom underwent another check-up, as well as a two-week course of medication-based maintenance therapy in the form of IVs and injections at City Clinical Hospital No. 10. Despite the treatment, general weakness, fatigue, and abdominal distension persist.
We do not know whether the word “remission” applies to our son's condition, but his blood counts and the ultrasound results do not change much. The area of the spleen has grown again, to 103 cm2. It was that size in October last year. The liver function tests were disappointing — GGT has doubled and now stands at 111 units/l. According to the leading doctor, such slight changes are considered normal with the underlying disease. On the whole we are standing still, and we so want to move forward — towards recovery.
On the doctor's instructions additional expensive blood tests were carried out for bacteria, fungi, giardia, worms, carbohydrate, lipid and phosphorus-calcium metabolism, a reproductive panel and an anaemia panel. Pathology was found in some of them. No less expensive and extensive treatment has been prescribed, in courses of from one to three months. That is on top of the constant maintenance medicines which Artem takes every day without a break, already for three years. We hope the additional treatment will give positive results.
An enormous thank you for your help and support! We feel and know that you are with us!
With respect to everyone and with faith in Artem's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
18.06.2019
Hello!
Another local check-up has been completed. We had high hopes of it — we expected the readings to improve compared with the previous examination, but there is no reason to rejoice. The ultrasound examination is unchanged. The blood tests for some readings that are vital for Artem are disappointing — bilirubin and GGT have risen again, and AST has gone above normal, although it was within normal limits for the last six months. That means the inflammatory process in the liver is continuing, and we so hope that we shall manage to stop it.
Because of the heat the inflammatory skin condition on his back and face has worsened. His back is covered with scars and with new deep and surface inflammations. His face suffers badly too. All of it is linked to the underlying disease. And while the destructive processes go on in the liver, dermatologists can do nothing to help.
We have been in touch with Maryna — the representative of the Saint-Luc clinic, an invaluable helper, a kind and responsive person. Following the local checks on Artem's health it has been decided that the next check-up at the Belgian clinic will take place in the spring of 2020, provided our son's condition remains relatively stable.
We are boundlessly grateful to all of you for your concern and support! Thanks to you we do not lose heart!
With respect to everyone and with faith in Artem's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
14.03.2019
Good afternoon!
A little news about Artem's condition. As we wrote earlier, in October 2018 our son had a check-up and treatment at city clinical hospital No. 10. The leading specialist I. I. Yaremenko adjusted the maintenance therapy, gave new recommendations and prescribed treatment for the accompanying problems (dysbacteriosis, detoxification). We worried a great deal about how this would affect Artem's health, whether his body would falter, whether it would set the destruction of the liver going with new force. We consulted the specialists of the Saint-Luc clinic. Having gathered all the opinions together, we continued the therapy. We decided to have the next check-up in the same place, at city hospital No. 10, with the same specialist, in February 2019. We deliberately made the interval between check-ups longer than 2 months. We went by our son's general condition. We gave him a rest in spirit, if not from the medicines and the diet, then at least from hospitals and clinics. And over a longer period the course of the disease and the results of the adjusted therapy can be seen better. For the first time in recent years the child has shown slight changes for the better:
- The anaemia blood tests are normal for such indicators as ferritin and folic acid.
- The gall bladder has shrunk slightly. But most important – its contents, in the form of putty-like bile of increased density, now take up not half of the bladder but one third;
- The area of the spleen has decreased a little – from 100 cm2 to 85 cm2 (with a norm of up to 50 cm2), and the area of the accessory lobe – from 2,7 cm2 to 2,2 cm2.
The liver function tests are still disappointing – bilirubin, cholesterol and GGT are above normal and above the previous tests. The doctor has again adjusted the prescriptions. If Artem's condition stays relatively stable, we plan the next check-up for May or June 2019.
A huge thank you for staying with us! For supporting us in word and in deed! For feeling for Artem and praying for him! We constantly feel your friendly shoulder and your helping hand, and that inspires us!
With respect to everyone and with faith in Artem's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
28.10.2018
Hello!
We have received the conclusion of the doctors of the Saint-Luc clinic with the results of the check-up, the tests and the consultations about Artem's health. We are following the recommendations. We have had the hepatitis vaccinations. Artem tolerated them well, without complications. In the first days there was increased weakness and tiredness, but afterwards everything came back to relative normality.
In October we had a local check-up and treatment at city hospital No.10. The leading doctor carried out additional examinations besides the regular ones and adjusted the therapy, adding new drugs to those prescribed earlier.
We are waiting for the clinic's report on the money we spent on the check-up and examination.
Sincerely, Inha.
17.09.2018
Hello!
Thanks to ALL of YOU (kind hearts who sympathise, feel for us and help as far as your strength and means allow), this year we completed the scheduled examination and consultations at the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc. We were all praised — keep it up! It was such a necessary, enormous breath of bracing air, which gave us hope and strengthened our spirit! According to the test and examination results Artem's health is relatively stable — the inflammatory process goes on and the liver is being destroyed, but all of it (at the moment, over this year) at a slower pace, without crises or failures (praise be to the Creator!). We were told that if we manage to keep it up, we may still have 3-4 years before a liver transplant. That inspired us greatly — 3-4 years on his own liver!!! For it is not known how a donor liver may behave, even from a relative, especially with our diagnosis — primary sclerosing cholangitis. In 15-20% of cases sclerosing cholangitis can develop again after a liver transplant. The clinic is ready to take us at any moment (that is in case of critical circumstances), and for the next scheduled check-up — in 1-1,5 years.
The results of this check-up and the doctors' forecasts encouraged Artem. He has begun making plans, even if only for the near future, but a light has appeared in his eyes and optimism in his mood. And it is a great joy to see. He takes all the doctors' recommendations more seriously and keeps to the maintenance drug therapy. We hope the next check-up will after all be in a year and a half.
His mother has been approved as a donor at the first stage!!! All the results of the tests and examinations the clinic carried out for donation were satisfactory. At the next check-up she will have an MRI examination to assess the state of the liver vessels.
The doctors' recommendations remain the same — maintenance drug therapy, a diet, limits on physical exertion and a local check-up every two months. Vaccination against hepatitis B was also recommended for mother and son, and that is what we are doing now. Artem has additionally been prescribed a vaccination against hepatitis A.
To EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE an enormous thank you and a low bow! We move forward only thanks to the shoulder you offer and the helping hand you hold out! Your support — is our hope of a healthy, bright and happy tomorrow!
Peace, kindness and health to us all!
Sincerely, the Fomin family.
14.06.2018
Hello!
The medical imaging department of the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc has scheduled the examinations of Artem (check-up) and of his mother (donation) for 21 August 2018. The clinic will be able to send us an invitation only after the preliminary bills have been paid; they come to 2925 euros in all. Another 2607 euros still has to be raised to pay the bill. Very little time is left!
Only with the invitation in hand can we approach the humanitarian department of the airline UIA for help with the flight under their charity programme for the seriously ill. Only with the invitation shall we be sure that the clinic will admit us and that Artem will receive the qualified medical help he vitally needs.
As of today we have raised 3023,52 UAH and 330 euros.
Heartfelt thanks to YOU, our helpers, our prop and support! For your prayers for Artem's recovery, for all the help you can give in all its forms we are boundlessly grateful to each of you! Peace, kindness and health to you and your families!!!
With respect to everyone and with hope for Artem's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
16.05.2018
Hello!
At the end of April, as planned, Artem had his scheduled check-up. The results of his tests showed that bilirubin, although it had fallen almost twofold compared with the previous check-up, is still above normal; the gamma-glutamyl transferase readings have risen even further. The ferritin test results were very disappointing — the improvement noted last time has slipped back to the original level.
We are adjusting and continuing the maintenance therapy. Against a background of general weakness and tiredness Artem's condition is relatively stable.
We have sent a request to the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc for a scheduled check-up and examinations at the end of August this year. We are waiting for their invitation. As soon as we receive it, we shall let you know.
The preliminary bill issued by the clinic, as said earlier, comes to 2925 euros. An enormous thank you to the staff and volunteers of the "Little Bee" foundation for transferring 10000 UAH towards paying it. This money was raised thanks to people who care, people with a kind heart and an open soul, ready to come to the rescue in a hard moment.
We greatly value your help; it is tangible and meaningful for us!
2607 euros still has to be raised.
Accommodation, travel, the flight and food will also come to a considerable sum — about 2000 euros. Of that, as of today we have raised 2023.52 UAH, 200 euros and 70 dollars.
May the Creator keep and protect all of you, your families and those close to you!
With respect to everyone and with hope for Artem's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
27.03.2018
Artem's health is stable. He goes on taking the drugs prescribed by his doctor. As of today 1523,52 UAH, 25 euros and 50 dollars have been raised.
Sincerely, Inha.
07.03.2018
Last week we had the scheduled check-up and a consultation with the doctor. The results did not please us — bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase have risen. The ferritin test results improved, but did not reach the level we hoped for.The doctor adjusted the therapy. On the basis of his recommendations we are continuing the treatment.
On the night of 4 to 5 March, Artyom's body malfunctioned again — nausea, weakness, hand tremors, and the smell of acetone. He had to miss an exam at university (Artyom transferred to another university part-time study). Now Artyom's condition has stabilized, he is attending university and finishing his exams.
To date, we have raised 1025 UAH and 25 EUR.
Sincerely, Inga.
21.02.2018
Last week we received a preliminary estimate of the cost of medical services for this year from the Belgian Saint-Luc Clinic.
The total amount is 2925 EUR. Of this amount: the cost of services in Artem's name — 2500 EUR (hospitalization, blood tests, ultrasound, consultations); In the mother's name as a potential donor — 425 euro (MRI, blood tests, ultrasound). Accommodation in a boarding house, travel, and food, based on last year's experience, — is approximately another 1200 euro (depending on the number of days). In 2017 year we planned 8-10 days of stay, but it took 11 days. If UIA doesn't refuse us this year and includes us in their charity program "Under the Wing", then there won't be any flight costs. We really hope so. Thanks to such assistance in 2017 year, we saved 800 euros, which went toward the final bill issued by the clinic.
Total, Estimated expenses for this year — 4925 Euros. The clinic will issue an additional (final) invoice based on the results of his stay and examinations.
Today, thanks to diet and medication, Artyom's health is maintained at a satisfactory level. A scheduled follow-up (examinations, tests) is scheduled for the end of February. We will definitely notify you of the results.
Our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters! To everyone who responded to our plea, who supported us, who extended a helping hand, who sympathizes, worries, and prays for Artyom's recovery. — A deep bow! It's important for Artyom to have regular checkups at St. Luke's, following his doctor's orders. His liver condition needs to be monitored dynamically; his life depends on it. WE CANNOT COPE WITHOUT YOU! You — are our support, our confidence in today, our hope for a prosperous tomorrow!
With respect to everyone and with hope for Artyom's healthy and happy future, the Fomin family.
29.01.2018
Artyom continues to take the medications prescribed by the doctors. His health is stable. To date, we have raised 520,00 UAH. The Belgian Saint-Luc Clinic is preparing preliminary invoices for Artyom's and his mother's routine examinations as a donor.
Sincerely, Inga.
15.01.2018
18 December 2017 Artyom underwent a routine examination. He continues to take the medications prescribed by his doctors. There have been no problems with his body from 15 December to the present day. During this period (since the last invoice was paid) we have not been able to collect funds for the routine examination at the Belgian Saint-Luc Clinic in August-September 2018 of this year. The checkups that need to be done every 2 month, medications, and doctor's consultations cost a considerable amount of money.
Sincerely, Inga.
15.12.2017
The Fomin family sincerely thanks everyone who helped us raise money for their son's vital examination at the Saint-Luc clinic in Belgium this 2017 year. The final payment has been collected, and the invoice was paid today! Thank you to all of you, responsive, kind-hearted, and caring helpers! Your comprehensive support helped us obtain the correct diagnosis, something we were unable to achieve for 7 years, since Artyom's liver disease was diagnosed. Huge thanks to the Charity Foundation "Little Bee", its staff, and volunteers for posting information about our cry for help and for assisting with fundraising.
Artyom's health, praise be to God, is currently satisfactory. He is receiving ongoing supportive medication. Next week we will undergo another checkup (tests, examinations). We eagerly await their results.
And so on every 2 month, until the next examination at the Saint-Luc clinic. This will take place at the end of August 2018 of the year. The preliminary cost for Artyom's follow-up examination to determine the progress of his liver condition, as well as for his mother's examination to confirm her donation status, will be approximately 5-6 thousand euros. The clinic will provide a more precise estimate two months before the examination, and the final cost will be determined after all medical procedures and consultations have been completed. Accommodation, food, and airfare will cost an additional 1,5 thousand euros.
The total cost (approximately 7,5 thousand euros) is enormous for us and we simply cannot manage it ourselves, as ongoing maintenance therapy, tests, examinations, and consultations at the local level also require considerable funds. We cannot rely on our doctors after 7 years of treatment. They believe we need an immediate transplant.
We know that your kind hearts will support our call for help! We believe that your compassion will not pass us by! We hope that our combined efforts will help Artyom find his way to recovery and live a full life! Your help is truly meaningful and invaluable to us!
With respect to everyone and with hope for a healthy and happy future for Artyom, the Fomin family.
28.11.2017
After two months of correspondence with a volunteer at the Belgian Saint-Luc Clinic, we finally received Artem's medical documents from the doctors — test results, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. Now we have something to take to the Odessa doctors so that we can be under their supervision and care until next year (until his next examination at the Brussels clinic). We will also be able to fully close all "gaps" at the medical university where Artem studies, having documents confirming the reason for his absences during his examinations at the Saint-Luc Clinic. Artem has been reinstated at the university. But, unfortunately, studying has become more difficult for him; his body can no longer cope with such a stressful schedule. He gets very tired, comes home after classes and sleeps for < 3-4 hours, or simply lies in bed until nightfall, and in the morning < —it's back to school.
Over the past 2 months, after returning from Belgium, Artyom suffered two attacks. The last one really scared everyone, as it didn't proceed as usual. — his hands were shaking, he felt very weak, and he was hot. His condition is currently satisfactory.
We plan to pass the winter exams and take a leave of absence due to health reasons. Perhaps reinstating him at university was our mistake. — Artyom needs more rest and less stress.
By 1 December 2017 we have to pay an additional bill issued to us by the Belgian clinic Saint-Luc for our stay there and the examinations carried out. About 790 euros are lacking to settle it in full, allowing for the bank's commission. We do not lose hope that we shall manage to raise the money and pay the whole sum in time. If we are to count on further qualified medical help from the Belgian doctors, and we have no one else to hope for, then settling the debt to the clinic on time is simply essential.
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