As part of National Storytelling Week, we asked you to share your experiences of blood cancer with us. We’ve heard from some amazing people about how blood cancer has affected their lives and have featured three of these below.
Alison’s Story
‘In January 2010 I started to feel very tired and weak and began being sick. After tests, the doctors told me I had acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I had three courses of Chemotherapy. The first two were ok, but I became very ill with the third one. After 6 months I was back home and gradually started getting my life back together.
‘Then in January 2012 I noticed I had a few strange bruises on my legs so I went to the doctor who sent me straight for a blood test and that night I was admitted to hospital where it was confirmed that the Leukaemia had come back. This time, the doctors told me that I needed a bone marrow transplant. I have one brother but unfortunately he was not a match.
‘Luckily, Anthony Nolan found me a donor. My dad and I both started crying when we found out the news and I still can't believe that a stranger was willing to save my life. I’m doing really well and have now started a phased return to my work as a primary school teacher.’
Brian’s Story
‘In December 2011 I was becoming breathless carrying out everyday tasks. I arranged to see my GP who sent me for a blood test. Upon the results, I was admitted to the MAAU ward on the Isle of Wight with severe anaemia, for which I received blood transfusions.
In the first week of January, I became very shivery and was admitted to the MAAU ward again. My consultant told me that I had Hypoplastic Myelodysplasia and would need a Stem Cell (bone marrow) Transplant. I was told that a Stem Cell donor had been found for me in Germany.
On the first Friday in March 2012 I was told that my condition had progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and I would need to be admitted to Southampton General Hospital. I received five days of intensive Chemotherapy to kill off the cancer, and whilst receiving the treatment I was kept in isolation. All of my blood cells were wiped out and I received further transfusions of red blood cells and platelets. After about 6 weeks my blood cells had recovered enough for me to be discharged, and my Leukaemia had gone into remission. On 26th May I was re-admitted to Southampton General Hospital for conditioning treatment prior to my Stem Cell Transplant.
The transplant took place in June 2012, and I was finally discharged from hospital on 7th July to continue my recovery at home. I have not needed any further transfusions. I am doing very well now and have Donor Lymphocyte Infusions every 6 weeks.’
Julie’s Story
‘It was July 2011 and I was heading off to work for a night shift as a nurse, whilst saying goodnight to my husband I noticed his eyes looked yellow. I cried all the way to work, convincing myself there was something wrong. Adrian was a fit and healthy 41 year old, holding down an energetic job as a postman; our children were just three and six years old. After further testing, we received the devastating news he had Leukaemia. I have never cried so much in such a short period of time.
‘Over the coming weeks we found out that Adrian was actually suffering from Myelodysplastic syndrome, a pre leukaemia condition. Over the next six months we endured many ups and downs. Adrian underwent four courses of intensive chemo, multiple infections, and two stays in intensive care.
‘Anthony Nolan searched for a bone marrow donor but could not find a perfect match across the world. The doctors suggested that a stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood may provide a match and, after a long search, two suitable cords from the USA were identified. In June 2012, Adrian underwent his stem cell transplant. Like with most of our journey things did not go without hitch and Adrian was spent five weeks in hospital.
‘There is currently no evidence of any leukaemia cells and we remain ever hopeful that there won't be. Although the diagnosis of such an illness is devastating for everyone concerned, treatment is available and hope remains. May our story help someone undergoing a similar journey to ourselves.’
We're always looking for more people to share their stories and help us to spread the message about the effect that blood cancer has on people's lives. If you haven't done already, please email us to find out more at press@anthonynolan.org