Hello, my name is Nikolas. I am 16 years old, almost 17, and have been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for eight years.
On November 7, 2016, I was misdiagnosed with appendicitis and was taken to the hospital by my father. Later, after more tests, on November 11, 2016, they confirmed that I had cancer. I was shocked, scared, horrified even. I never thought in a million years that I would get cancer. The hospital I was at was not equipped with the right stuff to treat me. I was transported by ambulance to Summerlin Hospital. There I met so many wonderful nurses who became part of my cancer journey and family. They cared for me, helped me, and did everything to keep me happy. My father was by my side every step of the journey, through pain and hardship and happiness and joy. I stayed in the hospital for four months. My mom visited me every day, and my siblings came when they could even though they were in school.
After I got out of the hospital, it was a little hard to adjust. It was normal for me to stay in bed all day in the hospital, but now I had to get up and move. But after a while, I got used to it.
I have met so many cancer warriors and great people over the years. It has been two years since I finished treatment, and I am stronger than ever. I have been able to do so much more now that I am not going through treatment. I now have a job that I love, and I have my driver's license. I moved up to 11th grade and am planning for my future. I still have my challenges such as having to keep sanitized and safe at work which is not always easy. School is still very hard, and I have to work extra hard to make sure I am paying attention and keeping up my grades. It is also a little difficult to balance work and school. However, I am overcoming these obstacles and continuing my hard work to move forward.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has helped my family in so many ways, and I am grateful.
Nik
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
