Hello, my name is Nikolas. I am 14 years old (almost 15 in July) and have battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for the past four years, but I am now done with chemo and getting my port removed soon.
In November 2016, I was misdiagnosed with appendicitis and was taken to the hospital by my father, where they took my blood and ran several tests. This was a painful experience to go through and I was very scared. After more tests, they knew that I had cancer. I was shocked, scared, and horrified. I never thought in a million years that I would get cancer.
The hospital was not equipped with the right medical equipment to treat me, so I was transported by ambulance to a different location at Summerlin Hospital. This is when my parents and I really got to know my pediatric oncologists, Dr. Rashid and Dr. Waseem.
At Summerlin, I met so many wonderful nurses who became part of my cancer journey and my family. They cared for me, helped me, and did everything to keep me happy. My father was by my side for every step of the journey—through the pain and hardship and through the 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.
The hospital can be tedious and boring, especially when your confined to a bed, as I was. I ended up having seizures and taking a few falls in my room due to infections, harsh medications, and side effects. I was not allowed out of bed for quite a while. Playing Xbox with my dad helped to pass the time. I think I played every game the hospital had.
After I got out of the hospital, it was a little hard adjusting. It was normal for me to stay in bed all day in the hospital but now I had to get up and get moving. But, after a while I got used to it, eventually going back to school full time and participating in outdoor activities again.
I have met so many amazing cancer warriors over the years and so many great people over the course of my cancer journey. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) now Blood Cancer United has helped so many blood cancer patients and has helped my family through the Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance program. Blood Cancer United’s Southern Nevada Region near me has helped us to connect with other warriors and their families.
Blood Cancer United has given me so many opportunities to represent for blood cancer patients and I am so grateful to use my voice to raise awareness for pediatric blood cancer! Blood Cancer United's breakthrough technologies and medications for blood cancer patients is revolutionary in this time of need and I am proud to be part of the Blood Cancer United family.
Nikolas
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
