APL Does Not Define Me

By bmcneese

1 min read

My name is Becky, and I am a Registered Nurse. In July of 2013, I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at the age of 47. After a month of daily chemotherapy, I was in remission.

I then did maintenance chemotherapy for 8 more months and I can now say that I have been in remission for 5 years. The symptoms that made me seek medical attention were unexplained bruising and bleeding gums. I probably had fatigue, but since I already had sleep apnea I didn't attribute it to any other condition.

Faith and Support

I am a single parent. When I was diagnosed, I had one child in college and another one started his senior year of high school while I was in the hospital. I truly believe that faith and attitude played as big a role in my journey to remission as the chemotherapy did.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this group. I hope that I am able to support others who are going through similar circumstances.

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Daniel Malito Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="3638971" username="bmcneese"/> Thank YOU for sharing your story. We love it here when people take the time. I am going through lymphoma myself right now and actually have chemo tomorrow. Attitude is always a huge part of any illness, and I have seen some mind-over-matter incidents that would boggle the mind. It sounds like you've got a good outlook, though, so that's great. Thanks for joining us here and telling your tale. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3638971" username="bmcneese"/> - Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you the best, and that you stay in remission more years to come. Best!
bluchs Member
Congratulations Becky It is nice to hear a story, that ends well! Plus You are an RN, which in its self is wonderful. During my many hospital stays, when I was scared to death, and uncertain of my future. I actually am still uncertain, since I am still fighting Cancer. It was always the nurses, that made me feel good and well cared for, no one else. Not the doctors or any other staff. It was the nurses, at the hospital and at the cancer center. Thank You for doing, what you do God Bless You Becky
1. bmcneese Member
 Thank you for your kind words. My motto is "No one fights alone". Know that I am fighting with you through thoughts and prayers!
hammosa Member
Hi Becky, I am also an RN! I am stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma. So happy to hear you responded well to treatment. Welcome to the board and enjoy every minute of your remission 💪💚
1. bmcneese Member
 Thank you and I am here to support you in any way that I can.
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
I think faith and attitude probably played an even bigger role then the chemo. I wish you continued health.

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