Blood Cancer Scare: My Brutal Journey and Tips to Keep Going
Blood Cancer Scare: My Brutal Journey and Tips to Keep Going Blood Cancer Scare: My Brutal Journey and Tips to Keep Going In April 2024, at 33, I thought I was dying. I woke up with 12 unexplained bruises on my arms and legs, felt exhausted 6 days a week, and battled a fever that hit 101°F for 3 days. Terrified of blood cancer , I spent $200 on a doctor’s visit and blood tests. My white blood cell count was 13,000/µL (normal: 4,000–11,000), but it was an infection, not leukemia. That hellish month taught me about blood cancer’s toll and how to fight back. Here’s my story, with numbers, tables, and tips to face the fear and stay strong. What Is Blood Cancer? The Harsh Reality Blood cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) affects blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes, disrupting healthy cell production. A 2023 report estimates 184,000 new U.S. cases yearly, with leukemia making up 33%. My symptoms—bruising (12 spots), fati...