I went to see an endocrinologist for my diabetes diagnosis right after my husband of 20 years passed away. I had four children, and I wanted to make sure that I kept my health as stable as possible. After she did a complete blood workup, she called and said that she wanted to repeat the tests because something looked off. After the second set of tests, she referred me to a hematologist who made the diagnosis. I am four years post-diagnosis with essential thrombocythemia (ET). I am currently on chemotherapy medications and medications to manage my diabetes.
My illness is being managed, although there are some days when the nausea gets to be a bit much. I work full-time and have an active lifestyle. I do Zumba two days a week with my 79-year-old mother, and I jumped out of an airplane last summer with my sister and mom. I tell people about my condition only to make sure that they know that you have to live in the moment and plan for the future. I could've spent my time right after I was diagnosed being sad and depressed, jumped in my car, and had an accident, and still would have been just as dead, and it would have had nothing to do with my cancer. So, instead of bemoaning my situation, I decided to use it to keep me focused on what's most important: the time I have with the people I love. I only think about it when I have to take my medications twice daily and when I'm tired or nauseous. Other than that, I live my life the way I would normally, embracing all the challenges that come my way and loving every minute of it!
Sharon
essential thrombocythemia (ET)
