2019

I was diagnosed with Stage 2B HER2+ breast cancer.  After 6 rounds of chemotherapy, I underwent a unilateral mastectomy.  At that point, I was deemed to have no evidence of disease! 

November 2023

I started having severe back pain.  I was sent to a Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor who referred me to Physical Therapy.  I had an X-ray done, which had shown some disc degeneration but nothing else.  I inquired about getting an MRI, and she said that wasn’t necessary.  This didn’t sit well with me, so I called my past Oncologist who ordered an MRI immediately.  The MRI came back showing lesions on my spine.  My Oncologist immediately thought my breast cancer had come back and metastasized, so he ordered a biopsy.

The biopsy came back suspicious of blood issues. 

January 2024

After 2 months of further testing, bone marrow biopsy, and a lot of blood draws, I was sent to the Cleveland Clinic, which specializes in blood disorders.  I was admitted and underwent many tests and biopsies once again.     

February 2024

It was confirmed that I had AML (acute myeloid leukemia) with multiple myeloid sarcomas on my spine, 11 lymph nodes, and a spot on my right femur.  I was given a harsh chemotherapy regime which thankfully put me in remission.

I transferred to OSU as that was closer to my home, and I was given 3 more rounds of chemotherapy.

August 2024

I was given a bone marrow transplant.  I had to be isolated and very careful not to be exposed to germs.  I could not afford to get sick.  My sister Tracy stayed with me in an Airbnb for nearly 3 months.  At this point, I was officially in remission.

May 2025

I started experiencing back pain once again.  An MRI confirmed my sarcomas were back.  This time, I underwent radiation on my spine and my brain (there were trace amounts of my mutation found in my spinal fluid).  I was once again in remission!

March 2026

As of now, I am still in full molecular remission!  I hope my story will help others be an advocate for your own health.  If you think something is not right, don’t let a doctor or medical professional tell you it’s nothing without being sure!

Today

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