Dr. Pavlenko
Andrei Pavlenko was a 39-year-old Russia's leading oncology surgeon. In March of 2018, Andrei was diagnosed with 3rd stage stomach cancer.
After that, Pavlenko decided to draw attention to the problem of cancer aid in Russia by publicly releasing information regarding his treatment progress in the special project of "Takie Dela." Pavlenko's unique story, both as a patient and as an oncology surgeon allowed hundreds of thousands of oncology patients to be heard in Russia.
In 2018, according to the data of the shared project of the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer Globocan, Russia was among top-5 countries by deaths from cancer. Cancer identification often occurs too late: approximately 70% of patients diagnosed during the 3rd or 4th stages. To solve this problem, Dr. Pavlenko founded Charity Fund "CuncerFund" and the school of practical oncology to train young Russian surgeons for free. He held several speeches in the State Duma regarding the issues of the Russian health system.
In the period from March to September 2018, Pavlenko underwent eight chemotherapies and one stomach removal surgery. Andrei's wife Anna and their three children supported him all this time, and despite the long fight, Andrei died from cancer on January 5, 2020.
Despite the dizziness after the chemotherapy, Andrei performs 5-hour-long laparoscopy surgery for the patient with stomach cancer.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, May 10, 2018.
Andrei's daughters Christina (left) and Sofa shave his head after the first chemotherapy.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, April 23, 2018.
Andrei dances with his wife Maria on the day of his 40th birthday.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, May 9, 2018.
Weakened Andrei after taking medicine that helps to fight the side effects of chemotherapy.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, May 29, 2018.
Andrei performs on the TEDx, talking about his experience of being a cancer surgeon and about the importance of preparation of young surgeons.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, June 21, 2018.
In the hospital of Batumi, Andrei performs a colon cancer surgery for young Georgian surgeons.
Batumi, Georgia, August 27, 2018.
In the radiation-free room, Andrei waits when the radiopharmaceutical drug spreads in his body. Radiation is required for positron emission computerized tomography to work. It will show the size of the cancerous tumour after eight experimental courses of chemotherapy.
Moscow, Russia, September 5, 2018.
Andrei is going to the surgery department where his stomach will be completely removed.
Moscow, Russia, September 14, 2018.
Andrei lays on the gurney, waits for the doors of the surgery room to open. According to statistics, 3% of patients die from stomach removal surgery. Only the staff were allowed inside by the head-surgeon.
Moscow, Russia, September 17, 2018.
On the first day after the surgery, Andrei washes his face on his own in the hospital room. In the past, when he performed this kind of surgeries, Andrei used to tell his patients: "stand up and go." These words are crucial for patients' mental health.
Moscow, Russia, September 19, 2018.
Anna helps her husband to get up the day after the stomach removal surgery.
Moscow, Russia, September 18, 2018.
The nurse sets up a medical drip for Andrei after he performed his last surgery in life. CT scan revealed that the disease is spreading, and he is probably going to die in a few months.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, November 14, 2019.
Andrei watches cartoons on the laptop with his son. He will die in 17 days.
Andrei's daughters, Christina and Sofa, by the father's coffin. Andrei died on January 5, 2020.
The funeral of Andrei Pavlenko.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia, January 6, 2020.
