I’m 24 years old and was diagnosed with leukemia on October 17th of 2022. I originally went to urgent care for a hand injury and because my older sister told me I looked VERY pale I was very fatigued and sleepy. I brushed it off and thought I was just tired, but to my surprise I was hit with the horrible news that it was leukemia. My worst nightmare became a reality. I often imagined this would happen since my older sister, who was 19 at the time, passed away from osteosarcoma after a four year battle. I was only ten at the time but still remember the pain and anguish it caused my whole family. So you can only imagine how I took the news – I was in very bad shape physically and mentally. I urgently needed blood transfusions and a week later started my very long intense consolidation chemo treatment. After seven months of back to back chemo, spinal taps, bone marrow biopsy, trips to the emergency room, simple colds that can almost be deadly, and more blood transfusions, it felt endless and with no stop in sight.
Finally in May I got the great news, I was in remission. I felt I could breathe a little easier but still need a bone marrow transplant. I was put on maintenance chemo for about two months due to my high risk of relapse. I realize I still have a long road in front of me, but I am excited and thankful I have the opportunity to have the transplant, and the support my family has provided.
Sandi’s LifeList:
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