Grace’s Acute Myeloid Leukemia Story
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
![](https://thepatientstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Grace-Amante-Muniz-square.jpg)
Grace hails from California and is a proud mother to her 3 children. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2022. Her cancer was revealed by a blood test requested by her doctor after she suffered a headache that persisted for a week.
Grace’s diagnosis blindsided her and filled her with anger and confusion, as she has lived an active lifestyle and has stayed away from tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs. She admits, though, that her diet may have contained too many processed foods, and suspects that this may have contributed to her cancer.
Grace was completely unfamiliar with leukemia and had to learn all about it from her doctors. She also had to steel herself for all her tests and treatments, including her first bone marrow biopsy of a total of 6, which she describes as being more painful even than childbirth.
Grace ended up taking 6 chemotherapy treatments for her AML. She also had to undergo a stem cell transplant—and was lucky enough to find a compatible donor who could help.
Grace’s cancer is now in remission. To try and make sure she stays healthy from now on, she has resolved to buy and consume only organic products. Moreover, her brush with cancer has made her realize that she needs to stop taking things in her life for granted, from her family to “little things” such as hummingbirds and flowers.
Grace shares her story with us today to help others realize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle as well as having the right attitude and taking time to truly appreciate life.
- Name: Grace A.
- Diagnosis:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Initial Symptoms:
- Headache that lasted 1 week
- Treatment:
- Chemotherapy
- Stem cell transplant
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
![](https://thepatientstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Grace-Amante-Muniz-square.jpg)
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