Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when I was 43 years old and at the height of my career as an RN. I took care of critically ill patients but did not realize when I was critically ill myself. My diagnosis came after days of having hip pain which became progressively worse until I was unable to walk without assistance. My husband and son took me to the emergency room for testing. The doctor sat on my bed to discuss the results, and at that point, I knew things must be bad, but I did not expect her to say I may have cancer.

In an instant, I went from being a nurse to becoming a patient in the very same hospital where I worked. I wanted to know when I would be able to get back to my patients, but, of course, the answer was “not any time soon.” I was taken for a bone marrow biopsy to determine an exact diagnosis and decide on a treatment plan. I was then admitted to the hospital for my first month-long stay.

For a few days, I was sad, mad, and so scared, but I knew that attitude wouldn’t get me anywhere. So, I found the warrior in myself and decided to fight for my life and all those I loved dearly.

The plan was to find a bone marrow donor because a stem cell transplant was the only cure. Unfortunately, my brother and oldest son were not a match. So, the search was on for an unrelated donor. A match was found and my hero, Zack, accepted the challenge and selflessly decided to donate his stem cells to save my life. I knew the road ahead would not be easy, but I now had hope for a better future!

I decorated my room with things I love to provide a positive and healing environment. I woke up every morning made my bed, showered, put makeup on, and did my hair until the chemo took it. And even after I lost my hair, which was devastating, I wore pretty scarves to take its place. It was time to kick cancer to the curb with the help of good doctors, nurses, my family, friends, and, of course, Zack.

Zack’s stem cells kept me healthy for three years until I relapsed in 2020. My family and I had to do it all over again, but there was still hope because there were leftover stem cells from my first transplant. Zack not only saved my life once but twice! I often wonder if he knows how amazing and selfless he truly is!

I am currently working as an RN again, and I am grateful for the second chances I have been given at this life of mine. Cancer took me to some dark places by trying to take my career, my dignity, and my life, but because of Zack and the love of my family and friends, I found hope! I had cancer, but I would never let it have me!

If anyone who is reading this is fighting cancer, is caring for someone fighting cancer, or is a survivor, please try to stay positive, find beauty in the small things, and never lose hope for a better future.