Categories
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Chemotherapy Leukemia Patient Stories Treatments

Grace’s Acute Myeloid Leukemia Story

Grace’s Acute Myeloid Leukemia Story

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

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.


Thank you for sharing your story, Grace!

Inspired by Grace's story?

Share your story, too!


Related Cancer Stories

More Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Stories
Sasha

Sasha T., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)



1st symptoms: Easily bruised and swollen, painful hip
Treatment: 4 chemo infusions, bone marrow transplant

Luisa L., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)



Cancer details: Most common type of acute leukemia in adults
1st symptoms: Painful hives on legs & migraines
Treatment: 3 cycles of chemo, total body radiation & stem cell transplant
Hayley

Hayley A., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), M5



Cancer details: Most common type of acute leukemia in adults
1st symptoms: Severe fatigue and excessive bleeding after oral surgery
Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
Nicole

Nicole T., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)



1st symptoms: Severe itchiness, night sweats, fatigue
Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
Mary Clare

Mary Clare B., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)



Cancer details: Relapsed but in remission after 2nd transplant
1st symptoms: Extreme fatigue, upset stomach, bad & persistent headaches
Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, 2 bone marrow transplants