I am 28 years old and a mother of two. Last year on December 19, 2024, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer. My world was turned upside down as I had no idea what I would be dealing with or if I was going to make it. Cancer is something no one ever wants to hear.
The news broke me down, and I feared for my life. This affected me mentally and physically, and not only did it affect me, but it also affected my children's lives. Once I got diagnosed, I wasn’t discharged and spent the next two months hospitalized not being able to see my children. I spent Christmas and New Year’s alone in my hospital room.
My oncologist started me on treatment right away. I got the strongest chemo right away. I completely lost all my hair and strength to chemo.
I was very fortunate to have been placed in the best hands of my medical team. Within three months of treatment, I was already in remission. I’ve had five bone marrow biopsies done. The first three biopsies showed leukemia in my blood, and the last two didn’t detect any more cancer, and that to me was the biggest relief ever. I was able to go home to my family and have been an outpatient ever since.
I was blessed to have so much support surrounding me, including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) who support patients battling blood cancer, like myself, with so many programs and assistance.
I’m currently in remission and awaiting my stem cell transplant next month (May 2025). I was matched with an unrelative donor, and I’m beyond grateful for him. Thank you to all donors around the world for saving lives.
This illness has definitely taught me to keep faith and stay positive and stronger. I had no idea I had it in me to stay this strong through the hardest time of my life. I can’t wait to recover from my transplant and be 100% cancer-free.
Never lose faith because after the storm comes a rainbow. Never give up!
Mayra
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
