Diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL)
My name is Debbie P. I was going about my life normally and had just hosted my daughters wedding for 250 guests on June 1,2019.
What a perfect day...all was right in the world.
After feeling tired and having swelling in my legs and ankles, I went to the doctor. They found a swollen lymph node on my chest CT. After many tests to rule out causes, I was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL).
Starting treatment
Within 3 hours of a confirmed diagnosis, I was in a hospital bed and preparing for chemo the next morning. I felt like I was being drug by a freight train! I didn’t even know what I had or how I got it. I was numb.
I had an amazing medical team that helped me reach remission after 28 days in the hospital. It was determined I would need a stem cell transplant and we started testing for sibling match.
My oldest sister, Connie, was a 100% match. We were told that we were very lucky because a sibling match is best.
Feeling grateful
I had my transplant on September 24,2019. It was the hardest thing I have ever been through, but it saved my life. I was in the hospital 37-days and am approaching my one year “birthday” this week!
It is a miracle I am alive and I don’t take one minute for granted.
I am so grateful to my amazing medical team at KU Medical Center in Kansas City for all their incredible research and care. 🧡
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