Inspirational Stories
Christine
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Back in 2019, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and was only given two weeks to live. I stayed the entire month in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy every day and blood transfusions. When I was released from the hospital at the end of August 2019, the doctor said I needed to do chemotherapy every day for nine months, and I would not be able to work. I asked the doctor, "May I work from home? This will allow me to motivate myself to get up every day, drive myself to the infusion center, and work to keep my mind occupied and not wondering." He approved as long as I was working from home because my immune system was low. I always drove myself every day to the infusion center because it was a motivation for me to wake up, get ready, and concur the day. When the nurses would plug me in and say, Ready for chemo?" my response was, "Yes, I'm ready for the fountain of youth." It was the change in the words that were negative to me, and I changed them to positive words, and that made a difference. Also, having the support from family. On April 10, 2020, I rang the bell. During my journey, not only did I work, but I also graduated with my second master's degree. Stay positive in anything that comes your way, and your outlook will be different.