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Rachael’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Leukemia)

Rachael's Story (Leukemia)I was 18 years old, had a part time job, and was going to college for an English major when I started to feel weak. At first I just thought it was all the stress of finals in December of 2012 and that I would get over it during Christmas break. But I didn’t get any better and then I fainted at work in mid January. My mom took me to the doctor and while they were trying to draw blood I almost fainted again.

I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and thankfully was not feeling any worse. Once in the emergency room they drew blood and ran some scans. They said they were going to have to keep me overnight. I wasn’t really frightened at the time but I knew something was really wrong with me and I hoped they could find out quickly because I had classes the next day.

But the next day, after more tests, I was visited by an oncologist who told me that I had some form of blood cancer. It both terrified me and relieved me to know what was wrong. At least they knew and now so did I. The next morning I learned it was Leukemia (A.L.L.) My oncologist said I should go to Chicago because I was so young and could get better treatment there.

I went and met my current oncologist, who was very kind in answering all mine and my family’s questions. She laid out a treatment plan for me and my family which involved intense chemotherapy but thankfully no radiation or transplants. After just one month I went into remission, praise God! I continued chemotherapy and am still receiving it as of August 2013.

I have had my ups and downs through this. I had to quite my job, stop going to college, and basically place my entire life on hold as I wait to get better. On my birthday in March of this year I was too weak to even get off the couch. I get through by praying, a lot. God had sustained me and given me his unconditional grace in this. My friend’s have been a great support for me is as well. They are always free if I want to talk or need to get away.

I live for the day when I will again be well, and when I can go back to work and school. It seems like a long way off, but at least it is in sight. I have a cancer that can be cured and I won’t be sick the rest of my life. I will continue to pray and fight like a girl until then.

Rachael
Illinois
Submitted 08/07/2013

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

3 comments

  1. Bethany Berry

    Rachael i am so proud of you. From my perspective your faith has remained strong. I love you sweetie. I’m glad we became friends.

  2. Lorrie

    Rachael,

    We read AJ updates and you are in our prayers and on our church prayer list all the time. I think about you and your mother all the time, especially now that I am in nursing school pediatrics rotation. Hugs to the whole family from your MD cousins.

  3. Isobel Broadberry

    You really have had a rough time. My son was nine when he got diagnosed with leukemia. He died last year 12 of Feb. I miss him terribly.
    Isobelxx

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