In October 2020 I was diagnosed with APML. I had been feeling unwell for about a week thinking it was anemia but then my gums would bleed when I brushed my teeth, random bruises appeared on my body. I had been to my Dr’s and had blood tests but the results hadn’t returned and when I had a very bad night I called 111. By blood oxygen levels were 86 so I had to go to A&E. as this was during covid I had to go alone.
When In A&E they took bloods and ob’s, the sister came in after about 4 hours and said they we’re waiting on a dr to check the results, I knew then this was serious. An hour later the sister returned with a dr and explained I had leukaemia, they started me on Atra immediately and had already booked me a bed on ward 33 freeman hospital and an ambulance was booked to blue light me there.
I phoned my husband and daughter and told them what was happening, they were allowed to come and see me before I was taken away.
4 months later I was discharged from hospital !! During my stay in hospital I had loads of blood transfusions, platelets, 3 stays in intensive care, I was put on a ventilator had a tracheotomy. I had to learn to walk again I had occupational therapy to help the muscles in my hands.
I lived on the belief of getting through one day at a time and at times this belief got me through hard patches. The staff on ward 33 and intensive care were amazing, the physio and occupational therapists were brutal but fabulous I even looked forward to 2pm for my daily physio!!
Unfortunately I relapsed in May 2022 but have again been in remission since February 2023 with the prognosis being very positive.
Cancer changes you as a person but don’t let it define you.