In January 2018, after months of seeking answers and enduring worsening symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The road to this diagnosis wasn’t easy ― it took three hospital transfers, three bone marrow biopsies, and the loss of my mobility before doctors could pinpoint the cause of my pain. Finally, I was admitted to a hospital close to home where they began aggressive treatment and provided pain management to help with my constant discomfort. By then, I was bedridden and had lost significant muscle, leaving me physically and emotionally drained.
The next two and a half years were consumed by grueling chemotherapy sessions. The side effects were relentless ― constant nausea, which made eating nearly impossible, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and “chemo brain.” A stroke landed me in the ICU. Other experiences that I had were water retention, infections, and hair loss ― each taking a toll in its own way. The muscle loss required me to relearn how to walk, adding yet another hurdle to the journey. Yet, after everything, I eventually completed my final round of chemotherapy and reached remission.
With the worst seemingly behind me, I felt hopeful about moving forward. But then, strange bug bite-like bumps appeared on my legs. After a series of doctor visits and misdiagnoses, the bumps grew painful. I returned to the hospital where I had received treatment, hoping they could provide answers. They admitted me and took a sample of one of the bumps for testing, sending me home afterward. Early the next morning, I was called back for a bone marrow biopsy. Soon after, I received devastating news; I had developed vasculitis due to a relapse of ALL, along with a new diagnosis, acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Now facing two types of leukemia, I needed another intense round of chemotherapy in preparation to send me to another hospital for a bone marrow transplant. By this time, it was 2021, and the pandemic had further complicated everything. I had to say goodbye to my loved ones and enter isolation for this next, life-saving phase. At this new hospital, I underwent radiation for the first time, followed by more chemotherapy before I could receive my transplant.
After the transplant, I remained on the hospital campus for daily infusions and close monitoring. Complications arose; I developed Bell’s palsy, which required a change in medications. My time was very limited with my family during that period which made things a lot harder for me. I was finally able to go home for a short period. Then six months after my transplant, I contracted pneumonia due to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), keeping me near the hospital for several more months. Eventually, I was able to return home and begin the long, slow process of healing.
It’s now been three years since my transplant. Although I’m still receiving treatment, I have a much better quality of life and am able to keep moving forward with my journey.
Yesenia
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
