From Remission to Research
“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”- Michael Scott, “The Office”
The day of Friday the 13th is synonymous with bad luck and misfortune, and in my case, it is the date that changed everything. It was 2018 and I was 32 years old. I was working as a biologist in coral propagation and genetics research toward coral reef restoration practices. Always keeping busy between the laboratories and work, it was not a shock to me that I was tired and fatigued by the end of the day, but the fatigue never subsided. I unfortunately ignored it and kept working, not getting it checked out until Friday, July 13, 2018.
I was diagnosed with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), a rare subtype of the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Like ALL, Ph+ ALL is a cancer of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. What makes this subtype rare is a mutation that fuses two genes together, the BCR and ABL genes. This BCR-ABL gene, also known as the Philadelphia translocation, can cause the white blood cells to become cancerous.
The journey to recovery was peppered with obstacles of pain and uncertainty. However, I had a coping mechanism in light of all this. I was able to find humor in my struggles. More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gave me the strength to get through the rounds of chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. Cancer had set hurdles before me. My ability to laugh and make others laugh in the face of this challenge allowed me to overcome them.
Now – to state the obvious – there is nothing funny about cancer. However, in my situation, it has diminished my anger and fear, and kept me grounded, focused and alert. Cancer is different in every case; each person finds their own path to overcoming it. My experience has taught me how patient, resilient and stubborn I can be.
I am relieved and happy to report that after nearly five years of battling, I am in full remission. I currently apply my background and experiences working at Moffitt Cancer Center to give back to the research community to transform health and improve quality of life.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.
