Rustam Botanenko's News 🐋
Hello, news about Rustam!
Rustam is currently undergoing an important stage of treatment—radiation therapy, which is preparing him for a stem cell transplant. His body is already struggling with the treatment: side effects include severe weakness, abdominal pain, and intestinal problems—he suffers from constipation and diarrhea. Despite this, Rustam is trying to hold on and continues to fight for his life.
Rustam will be hospitalized in early June. The first few days will be spent on examinations and preparation, after which he will be transferred to a closed, sterile ward. There, he will begin one of the most difficult stages of his treatment—high-dose chemotherapy. For five days, he will receive powerful drugs that destroy not only the disease but also virtually all of his immune system.
Two days after the chemotherapy ends, donor cells will be taken from Rustam's younger sister under anesthesia for the transplant. After the cell transplant, Rustam will remain in a closed ward for approximately 40-60 days—everything will depend on his condition and how his body accepts the transplant. Rustam's sister has already arrived to be by her side and help her brother through this difficult journey.
The doctors are currently not discussing treatment for GVHD, as the primary goal at this stage is to successfully perform the transplant and manage its possible consequences. Rustam recently showed initial improvement after complications, and now he will again face the risk of developing GVHD after a repeat stem cell transplant.
Due to his treatment, Rustam must adhere to a very strict diet. He is prohibited from eating sausage, hot dogs, sweets, mayonnaise, fried eggs, herbs like parsley and dill, citrus fruits, dairy products, and much more. The list of restrictions is extensive, and the boy is forced to deny himself almost everything.
Despite the difficult treatment and lengthy hospital stay, Rustam maintains daily contact with his family and loved ones—his grandmother, aunt, and uncle. Their love and support help him not give up and find the strength to move forward.