In early 2021, I was hospitalized with COVID, where I spent weeks in the hospital, including being on a ventilator. After extensive testing and noticing my blood counts were extremely low, I had a bone marrow biopsy done. That's when they found out I had hairy cell leukemia (HCL). The doctors and my family knew about my cancer, but did not tell me right away because I wasn’t strong enough, and I was trying to recover from COVID and learning to walk again after not being able to for weeks.
It wasn't until weeks later, after being discharged and having an appointment with my primary doctor, that I heard those three words, "You have cancer". I'll never forget that moment, sitting on the couch with my oxygen tank, my mother sitting next to me. I looked at her and instantly cried my eyes out. My doctor quickly set me up with an oncologist and started treatment. Four years later, I have remained cancer-free and stronger than ever mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Stay positive, keep fighting, and have faith!
Michelle
hairy cell leukemia (HCL)
