LET´S HELP JARDA FIGHT BRAIN CANCER

My name is Jaroslav Fikáček and I am 31 years old. In February last year, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, specifically a tumor of the medulla oblongata, which is a very sensitive location, since vital centers are located in this area - breathing, heart activity, digestion, swallowing, etc.

During 2023, I started having problems with itching in my eye and the right half of my forehead. After a few months, my GP sent me to a neurologist, who ordered an MRI. When I went to get the results a week later, I really did not expect to see the word "tumor" on the report. That day, my life changed, and everything else took a backseat. I am an English language teacher, and overnight, I had to tell all my clients that I would not be able to teach them for some time. Then, the rounds of consultations with Czech and foreign neurosurgeons began to figure out the next steps. Some of them said that surgery was too risky for me, and they recommended just observing the tumor. In the end, I decided to go ahead with the surgery, which took place at the Military University Hospital in Prague under the supervision of Professor Netuka. Unfortunately, the tumor could not be removed, not even partially, because of the risk of paralysis and, in the worst case, death. Only a biopsy was performed, and the sample was sent for further examination, which took a total of 4 months. Currently, my situation is that this „enemy“ limits me daily. I have pain in the entire right side of my body, and no medication has helped. I have a complete right hand numbness, so I can't write, and I only type with my left hand, which is quite limiting for my job as a teacher. I also have difficulty walking because my right leg hurts, and I can't manage long walks. I am much less mentally resilient and constantly tired, which is another big disadvantage in my job. Currently, I am not working so that I can focus mainly on the treatment, which will last at least until the end of this year. The worst part is the tingling (pins and needles) in my hand, which a normal person experiences, but it only lasts for a few seconds or minutes, whereas my right hand tingles almost constantly. The biopsy results showed that it is an astrocytoma, and radiation therapy and chemotherapy have been indicated. The type and location of my tumor are very rare, with only a few people in the country having it, and it ranks among the very rare cases globally. In January of this year, I underwent radiotherapy and started chemotherapy, which I have in the form of tablets and which I have been taking in monthly cycles.

Throughout my life, I have tried to help others, and now I need help myself. Since I am not able to work, I need financial support for essential expenses such as food, especially pre-prepared meals, since I can only cook very limitedly with one hand. I also need funds for rent, utilities, and apartment services. It will help me get through this not-so-nice time and make things easier for me until I can fully function again. I thank all donors in advance for any help and I really appreciate it.