After months of misdiagnoses and feeling extremely fatigued, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the morning after my 23rd birthday. I had graduated from college a few months prior and had just begun my nursing career working as an OR Nurse. No one could have prepared me for what was to come. I was immediately admitted to the hospital to begin aggressive treatment, and I spent the next 40 days there, enduring significant challenges and complications. I spent the next several months in and out of the hospital receiving more grueling chemotherapy.
I am used to taking care of patients on some of their worst days, but I never expected to become the patient myself. Becoming a patient left me with a huge perspective shift and made me realize how important it is to always be an advocate for my patients.
Navigating blood cancer as a young adult has not been easy and can feel very isolating at times. I was often the youngest person on my oncology floor, which made me feel even more alone at times. I learned about Blood Cancer United, and seeing the stories of other young adults made me feel hopeful and less alone in this journey. I hope that sharing my story can help others feel the same way.
I’m grateful to now be completing my last cycle of inpatient chemotherapy this month, and for my incredible oncology team, the nurses, and my family who have been by my side throughout this difficult journey.
Nicole
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
