I
have finally decided to open up about what my life has been
like for the past 5-6 weeks.
I had some blood tests done recently as I was bruising easily
and feeling very tired. I went to the doctor for something
else and asked if the results were back, not thinking much of
it. I got sent to A&E, they told me not to worry and I will
have another blood test and go home. I got admitted due to low
platelet and white cell counts and remained in hospital for 3
days. It was absolute torture as I had no idea why I should be
there, I was feeling fine. On the 3rd day, the haematologist
told me some upsetting news, that I might have aplastic
anaemia or leukaemia. – Not having my family with me in London
and having to absorb this information alone was so difficult.
Although my stunning boyfriend was by side the whole way and
still is. If it weren’t for him, I would not be as positive as
I am. Instead of tears, he created laughs and lots of smiles!
Unfortunately he was not able to come back with me, but will
be coming back as soon as possible. – I was then transferred
to St Bartholomew’s for a bone marrow biopsy. I hurled my
lungs out I was so nervous. It was a terrible experience for
me and I hoped I would never have to go through that again.
After 2 weeks I saw the consultant. Leukaemia and aplastic
anaemia was ruled out, thank goodness. And then the word MDS
was mentioned. I had never heard of this and was a bit
shocked to hear all the details. He told me this is highly
likely, but part of the biopsy results were incomplete and
that they can’t confirm it yet. Wait, Incomplete..? What?
dum dum dum… another dreaded biopsy lied ahead. I requested
to be sedated this time as last time was a truly horrible
experience. Sedation was the best thing I ever did! Did not
feel or remember a thing, and after an hour and half I was
fully alert.
On the 24th of March 2010 I got news that will change my
life forever. I have been diagnosed with MDS Monosomy 7,
stage 3 (out 4). Cancer at age 20. A Cancer that people over
65 get! And this cancer, turns into acute Leukaemia. They
have not given me much time before this happens, but I am
positive I will fight this before that happens! I have been
forced to cut my gap years short and I returned to SA on the
28th of March for treatment. I will be receiving
chemotherapy prior to a bone marrow transplant. My brother
has just been tested as a donor, but the results will take 2
weeks. I do hope and pray he is a match! My Professor said
that he thinks I am the youngest in the country to have MDS.
The youngest he has seen is 38. Therefore I believe my
chances of success are higher as I am young and fit.
It has been a great struggle finding a specialist here as
there are only 5 in the whole of SA. Only 3 hospitals do the
transplant, one in Pretoria (where I am, but we are not
comfortable with the set up) and two in Cape Town. Therefore
I will be going to Cape Town. It’s going to be tough, a
month to 3 months in hospital in total isolation.
As my hair will fall out and I am going through a massive
change, I decided to something I would never have done
before! I cut my hair short yesterday and died it blonde,
after it was almost hanging by my bum! This is the first
time I have had short hair since I was a toddler. Quite
emotional. Lets not talk about emotions. They have been
flowing through my eyes almost everyday for the past week
and a half.
So, I hope this blog will make you realise how precious life
is and how much you have to be grateful for. Even though I
feel like my life has come to an end, there will always be
someone worse of than me! My goal is to be healthy for my
21st on the 28th of July. Hair or no hair, but no cancer!
A big thank you to all the fabulous support from family and
friends! It is more valued than you think and keeps me some
what sane
have finally decided to open up about what my life has been
like for the past 5-6 weeks.
