In 2010, Mihaela was diagnosed with stage IIIB breast cancer in her right breast, for which she underwent radical surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and seven years of hormone therapy with Tamoxifen. She followed all the recommendations with discipline and hope, managing to resume her life and work alongside her family and colleagues. In September 2016, she underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy. In 2021, the disease recurred in the bones (sternal metastasis), classified as a Luminal B breast neoplasm, and Mihaela began a new systemic treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, an aromatase inhibitor and bone treatment. Under this treatment, the progression was initially favourable, with complete imaging remission.

Unfortunately, in early 2026, PET-CT scans revealed further progression of the disease, this time involving the pleura. Pleural and diaphragmatic biopsies and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed pleural metastases of poorly differentiated Luminal B breast carcinoma, with pleural and diaphragmatic invasion. As an adverse effect of treatment, the situation was complicated by osteonecrosis of the mandible.

To identify the best treatment option, NGS genetic testing was performed, which revealed a PIK3CA mutation in exon 21. In this situation, both the international NCCN guidelines and the European ESMO guidelines recommend initiating targeted treatment with Capivasertib in combination with Fulvestrant, in accordance with the results of the CAPitello study.

The recommended treatment – Capivasertib plus Fulvestrant – is not currently reimbursed in Romania for metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA mutation, although it is the therapy indicated by international guidelines for this type of disease. Mihaela’s oncologist has drawn up a medical report requesting support to secure this treatment, which is considered a real chance to prolong Mihaela’s life and maintain her quality of life.

The estimated total cost of the treatment is €50,000, a sum that Mihaela and her family cannot cover on their own within a sufficiently short timeframe. Every day counts, as the disease is at an advanced stage, with pleural and diaphragmatic involvement affecting her breathing and general condition.

Mihaela is not just a cancer patient; she is our colleague at the hospital, the warm and discreet person who has spent years by the bedsides of intensive care patients. She is the mother, wife, daughter and friend who has always been there for others, even whilst silently bearing her own suffering.

Although she faces pain, fatigue and uncertainty, Mihaela retains her dignity and her will to fight, as long as there is a treatment option that can give her extra months or years with her loved ones. For her, the €50,000 represents not just medication, but time – time to live, to love and to hope.

• Donate any amount – for Mihaela, every contribution counts.
• Share this appeal with colleagues, friends, professional communities and on social media.
• If you represent an institution or organisation, you can contribute through sponsorship or direct financial support.

Together we can turn a treatment not covered by the state into a real chance at life for a person who has dedicated her career to caring for others.

“Good morning, sunshine!” – as Mihaela always tells us, reminding us that, above all else, there is light, hope and kindness for each and every one of us.