Then and Now: A Pediatric Cancer Nurse Reflects on Her Cancer Journey

In April 2004, my life changed dramatically. At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and began a 2 year journey to fight for my life. It was terrifying being diagnosed with cancer, especially after my mother had passed away from cancer four years before. I was scared, but I was lucky to have the same awesome nurse for my first three days in the hospital. She helped me stay positive and hopeful. She not only took care of my medical needs, she took care of my emotional needs. I felt like she truly cared not only for me, but about me.

I continued getting frequent chemotherapy and had a few unpleasant side effects. I was in and out of the hospital with fevers, reactions, and surgeries. I had surgery to try and correct the damage done to my hip by one of the medications, but it failed and I ended up having to use a wheelchair. The second surgery was successful and I was finally able to start walking again. I am still dealing with hip issues, but I am happy that I am able to walk.

The last day of chemotherapy was one of the happiest days of my life. I knew it wasn’t the end of my doctor visits or the end of dealing with the unpleasant side effects, but I had made it to the finish line. I no longer had to carry a “puke bucket” with me wherever I went. I no longer had to stay away from school and other places with crowds so I wouldn’t get sick. I was finally able to focus on moving forward with my life. I left Primary Children’s that day and never wanted to come back. I knew I would have to come back for check-ups, but I didn’t want to visit any more than was absolutely necessary.

I graduated from high school and started college. I wanted to work with children and I was taking classes to become an elementary school teacher. One day I was sitting in class and I had the thought that I was interested in becoming a nurse. I changed my major to nursing and changed schools. During school I decided that I wanted to be able to help kids the way that my very first nurse helped me.

After graduation, I got a job at Primary Children’s Hospital working in the Cancer, Blood and Transplant Unit - the very same place where I was cured of my cancer. It has been an amazing experience to work with the cutest and strongest kids in the world. I started my job hoping that I would make a difference in someone’s life, but I did not expect how much they would influence my life.

About the Author

Patient Stories

These stories share the experiences of people cared for at the hospital. If you would like to share your experience, please contact us.

Share This Article