Maria's Story – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

After recovering from COVID, Maria started to feel unwell again. At first, she wondered whether the virus had returned.

"I started to feel chronically exhausted and wondered whether COVID had returned."

The exhaustion was unlike anything she had experienced before. She developed a high temperature, began having hallucinations and became so weak that she could no longer walk upstairs.

Concerned by how quickly her health was deteriorating, Maria contacted her GP surgery. They acted immediately and arranged a blood test.

Within 12 hours, the results were back.

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital contacted her and wanted to admit her straight away.

"I went into denial. I asked whether I could check in the next day and let them know how I was feeling."

Later that evening, an out-of-hours doctor visited her at home.

"That was when I began to realise I was seriously ill."

The following day, Maria had a bone marrow biopsy and was admitted to hospital. Treatment began almost immediately.

The first few weeks were extremely challenging. Maria developed three life-threatening infections, which became the main focus of her medical team's attention. She spent time in an isolation ward while doctors worked to stabilise her condition.

Even though she enjoys her own company, Maria found the isolation difficult.

Throughout this period, she felt as though she had been thrown into a completely new world. Every day brought unfamiliar medical terms, test results and decisions.

"My overwhelming thought during this time was that this was a steep learning curve."

Maria decided that if she could not control what was happening, she could at least understand it.

She began learning the medical terminology and asking questions about her diagnosis and treatment.

"This gave me back a little control over my illness. Instead of passively listening to the doctors, I was asking meaningful questions which opened up a deeper understanding of my situation."

Looking back, Maria realised how much the loss of control had affected her.

"I had never been in a position before where I had to trust professionals with my life, and I was surprised at how quickly I did come to trust them."

She will always be grateful for the care she received.

Once Maria's condition became more stable, her consultant began discussing the possibility of a stem cell transplant.

A donor was found and everything appeared to be moving towards transplant. Maria focused completely on that goal.

"I began to chase the cure as if there were no other option."

Then her consultant presented her case to a national forum of specialists for their views.

The outcome was unexpected.

"The overwhelming response was that I did not need a transplant."

After spending months preparing herself for that path, it took time to adjust to the change in plans. Eventually, Maria came to understand that a stem cell transplant is not the right option for everyone.

"I was able to see how a transplant does not always suit everyone."