In January 2019, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I was in disbelief that at 59 years old, I had cancer. Because it was acute, I had to stay in the hospital for treatment. To say I was terrified is an understatement. I heard doctors talk about mutations, bone marrow biopsies, chemo, ports, transfusions, and transplant. The only word I did hear and understand was remission. Yes, after my first round of chemo, I was in remission. But my journey didn’t end there. Because of my mutations, the cancer would return, so a transplant was recommended. I 100% refused to get a transplant until I spoke with a woman from Blood Cancer United. She, too, had the same leukemia I had and went through a transplant, and 10 years later was still in remission. Had it not been for her, I would not be here today. It was at that time that I decided to volunteer with Blood Cancer United and make every day count for me and for those whom I can offer that same hope to.
Barbara
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
