Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed in June 2022 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Philadelphia chromosome +. My blood was tested in April and all was well, by the time May came around I had 50% cell blasts. I was treated in December 2022 with chemo and my bone marrow transplant. Thankfully, my younger brother was a 100% match to be able to donate his cells. I’ve had some major problems with GVHD, especially with my eyes. Sometimes I get super dehydrated and can’t eat without vomiting.

Thankfully I am now on Jakavi and Prednisone to help my esophagus, stomach, and dry mouth. I’m praying that it will help with my eyes. I now have double and blurred vision and can’t focus on anything. My prescription glasses no longer work. I have to be fitted for lubricant contact lenses because my tear ducts no longer produce tears.

I’m surviving and thriving but do get into depression because of the major change it has made in my life. Would like to just be a part of a group for support and help. I have a caregiver and two grown children, my son Aaron and my daughter, Kelsy with my best medicine, my grandson Logan.