Raising Awareness: My Fight Against Blood Cancer

My Journey with Blood Cancer: A Story of Diagnosis and Awareness

A Cloudy Beginning

It was a cloudy evening with a light drizzle. If I remember correctly, it was Monday, July 12, 2021, when I told my doctor, “I am leaving for Chennai.” She urged me to be admitted for two days and take antibiotics before leaving, as I had been experiencing intermittent fevers and fatigue for more than a month. Based on my blood test results, I think she suspected something serious. It was my third report, and my first report had already shown a WBC count of 500. Since this was during the second wave of the pandemic, the initial concern was that it might be COVID. I was advised to have a CT scan and take medication.

Admitted to the Hospital: Facing Uncertainty

On July 12, 2021, I was admitted to Columbia Asia. My dear friend Benisha’s husband, Mr. Alphin Anoj, kindly drove us to the hospital.

Leaving My Son Behind

For the first time, I left my son, Isaac Ebenezer, with my beloved sister, Sudha, not knowing if I would return. By God’s grace, I did return. Sudha cared for Isaac as if he were her own; he was only two years and six months old.

The diagnosis: The Shock of Blood Cancer

On Thursday, July 15, 2021, after a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed: BLOOD CANCER. The words “blood cancer” shattered my husband and the entire family, filling us with indescribable fear and sorrow. Everyone was in tears, facing the unanswerable question of whether I would survive.

Transferring to Chennai: Family Support in Crisis

I was immediately transferred to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai by ambulance. My sister Sudha was heartbroken and uncertain about what to do with Isaac. During this challenging time, my dear friend Subharani was an immense support to her. Benisha and her family also supported us wholeheartedly. Also, they helped my sister in packing a suitcase with clothes and necessities for Isaac and start to Chennai. My heartfelt thanks to Subharani, Benisha, and their families.

My Husband’s Silent Support

Throughout it all, my husband was by my side, though he didn’t reveal the seriousness of my condition to me. He only gave me a tearful smile and reassured me, saying we were going to Chennai for treatment.

Isolated at Apollo: The Reality of My Condition

At Apollo, I was isolated in a large room after the initial tests due to COVID protocols. The doctors informed my family that I had only a 40% chance of survival, with no guarantee of recovery. Despite this, they hadn’t admitted me yet.

Confusion and Concern for the Future

Our entire family was confused and unsure about what to do next. Then, my dear friend Sasikala suggested we seek treatment at the Cancer Institute in Adyar. With my sister’s courage, we transferred to Adyar.

Confirming My Diagnosis: The Conversation with My Husband

On July 19, 2021, I was taken for another bone marrow test. While the nurses went for lunch, my husband and I waited in the hallway, where I lay on a stretcher. I noticed the word “cancer” written everywhere. I asked him, “Do I have cancer?” He initially said, “Yes,” then changed to “No.” When I asked again, he confirmed with a tearful “Yes” and began to cry.

Coming to Terms with the Reality of Cancer

None of us knew much about this disease. All we knew was that cancer often meant death. I didn’t fully understand its seriousness and thought that some medicine would soon cure me so I could go back to my baby.

Raising Awareness About Blood Cancer

Here is some information to raise awareness about blood cancer, a serious health issue that demands greater attention.

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Blood Cancer Awareness: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Side Effects

The Global and National Impact of Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, next to cardiovascular disease. In India, cancer affects millions every year, and among the types, blood cancer is a significant health issue that requires more awareness. India ranks third in the world for reported blood cancer cases, after the U.S. and China, with an estimated 70,000 Indians dying from blood cancer annually.

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood consists of four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Blood cancer is a general term for cancers that affect blood cells or the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Leukemia is a broad term for cancers that affect blood cells.

Types of Blood Cancer

The most common types of blood cancer include:

1.    Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Originates in granulocytes (a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow), causing them to grow uncontrollably.

2.   Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Occurs in the bone marrow, leading to an excess production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).

3.   Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): AML progresses rapidly and involves abnormal white blood cells called myeloblasts.

4. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): ALL is caused by the overproduction of lymphocytes.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the type. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Frequent or severe infections
• Unintentional weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged liver or spleen
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Recurrent nosebleeds
• Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae)
• Night sweats
• Bone pain or tenderness

Diagnosis Methods

Bone Marrow Tests: Testing the bone marrow, where blood cells are formed, helps diagnose certain blood cancers.

Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) reveals the levels of white

blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Treatment Options

Treatment varies based on the type of leukemia and individual circumstances. Common treatments include:

1.    Chemotherapy: Uses chemicals to kill leukemia cells.

2. Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific abnormalities within cancer cells to block their growth.

3.   Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to damage leukemia cells, often as preparation for a bone marrow transplant.

4.   Bone Marrow Transplant: Replaces unhealthy bone marrow with stem cells that regenerate healthy bone marrow.

5.   Immunotherapy: Employs the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

6. CAR-T Cell Therapy: Involves engineering immune cells to fight leukemia.

Common Side Effects of Treatment

Side effects vary depending on the individual and treatment plan. They may include:

• Breathlessness
• Bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
• Changes in taste or smell
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hair loss

• Infections or fever
• Infertility
• Nerve damage (causing pain, numbness, or weakness)
• Skin changes
• Sore mouth or gut

Conclusion

I later learned that I had been diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), a highly aggressive form of blood cancer due to its rapid progression.

Unfortunately, my diagnosis was delayed, placing me at an intermediate stage, with 60% of my blood affected by the disease.

This experience may be the result of a general lack of awareness about blood cancer.

I hope this post has provided some foundational knowledge that highlights the importance of early detection and awareness.

Greater understanding of blood cancer can lead to earlier diagnoses and significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Be aware and informed.

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Thank you.

 "For I am the Lord, your healer.” Exodus 15:26