Carmelita’s Story: The Blood Test That Saved Her Life

In this Q&A, collected through our story portal, Carmelita recalls how a blood test helped lead to a critical diagnosis — and how the support of friends, medical providers, and community made all the difference.

What is your experience with cancer? 

I have worked in the field of education for about 28 years with special education programs. One Saturday I took a blood test from our community agency, and on Monday I was told that the test came back abnormal. Took another blood test [and] ended up in the hospital that night. 

To make a long story short, ended up in [the] hospital for over 33 days straight and with ongoing chemotherapy and treatment for acute leukemia for over 5 years. I had no symptoms before that blood test. 

Thank God for the services and support of the Cancer Support Community and network. I am grateful and alive because of this support and now in remission.

Did you receive any support from the Cancer Support Community during your experience?

Information, materials, and support from other individuals who have cancer.

Is there anything you wish you had known before your experience began?

I now tell everyone go to the doctor regularly and get bloodwork regularly. Because you don’t know what your body could be telling you.

Editor's Note: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. It usually starts in white blood cells. The blood cells grow and divide abnormally. Chronic leukemia develops slowly. Acute leukemia usually gets worse quickly.

Blood tests are one type of procedure, among others, that doctors may use to help diagnose leukemia. A complete blood count may be taken to check the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Leukemia causes a high level of white blood cells. It can also cause low levels of platelets and hemoglobin (found in red blood cells).

Find Out More About Leukemia & Diagnosis

What has been your biggest stressor?

Scared that the cancer would return and also, what is [a] cancer symptom and what is not; when is it any ongoing illness or a disease.

Have there been positive changes in your life after your cancer diagnosis?

My friends and support of my medical team. You don’t know what you need or want at times. So take the help and support, because there’s good people and services available if you need them.
 

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your story?

Keep funding support for cancer research assistance programs and support the community.