Initially, the minor bruises spread over her body appeared insignificant. Being a woodworking instructor, Elaine Hold didn’t pay much attention to them.

“I had gotten accustomed to moving around, getting bumps and being somewhat awkward, so when they showed up, I wasn’t too concerned,” she said.
recalls
.

As the now 46-year-old woman from Newcastle, who has two children, started experiencing shortness of breath and tiredness, she went to see her general practitioner — however, blood test results showed nothing abnormal. Her symptoms were attributed to bronchitis, a health issue she had dealt with for many years.

Indeed, these were indicators of an uncommon, severe form of blood disease.
cancer
which leads to death for most patients within five years.

The man married to Elaine, worried about the recurring and disappearing marks on her body, finally encouraged her to visit a doctor once more.

A different blood test was requested — and within 24 hours, she got an emergency phone call from the hospital instructing her to prepare an overnight suitcase and to arrive without anyone else. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Remembering the time she learned about it, Elaine states: “I was completely stunned—I even ended up laughing.”

Until then, I genuinely believed it was only an illness. The treatment started right away, so I never had time to come to terms with it, but throughout the years, it has significantly affected my mind and my family.

Elaine had to leave her job, and daily routines grew overwhelming. Afraid of contracting an illness that could be deadly due to her leukemia, she stayed indoors.

Ever since, Elaine’s condition has been effectively managed, allowing her to return four times. She has received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even a bone marrow transplant. “It had a huge impact on me; I felt extremely tired and was frequently hospitalized for extended periods,” she explains.

Each time I was informed that I was in remission, the sense of relief lasted only briefly. I always felt it would come back. I’ve undergone almost all available treatments, yet none have been able to eliminate the cancer permanently.

A bone marrow transplant — formerly referred to as a stem cell transplant — is commonly utilized in treating severe blood-related malignancies like leukemia.

It functions by eliminating the patient’s damaged bone marrow—responsible for producing blood cells—with treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, followed by introducing healthy stem cells. These typically originate from a donor’s bloodstream or bone marrow and, after being administered, migrate to the patient’s bone marrow, where they develop into regular red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—an entirely new blood-producing system without cancer.

Elaine received a transplant using stem cells provided by her oldest son, whom physicians refer to as a “partial match.” This indicated that although certain immune indicators (proteins found on cell surfaces that assist the immune system in identifying self-tissue from external substances) aligned with hers, others were different.

If there isn’t an exact match, the newly introduced cells have a higher chance of attacking the patient’s own body, increasing the risks involved and reducing the likelihood of fully eliminating the cancer. However, over the past nine years since she was diagnosed, a suitable donor hasn’t been located.

In order to endure the challenging treatment, Elaine participated in charitable fund-raising activities and also organized woodworking classes for single men.

Currently, the illness has progressed to an advanced stage. During Christmas, medical professionals informed her that she might only have a few more months left. The most recent recurrence led to groups of leukemia cells developing near her ribs and spinal column, resulting in six fractured bones and requiring her to use a wheelchair.

Being here today is somewhat miraculous,” she remarks. “I’m uncertain about what lies ahead for me or how long my future might be, but one thing I am certain of is that I will live it with joy. I don’t wish to squander even a single moment of this valuable time I’ve been granted.

A type of cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia develops when abnormal white blood cells multiply uncontrollably, taking over the bone marrow and pushing aside normal cells.

It’s the most prevalent childhood cancer in the UK, and due to advanced therapies, over 90% of children today survive.
survive.
However, for adults the situation is more concerning — the chances of surviving decrease significantly as people grow older.

Approximately 750 adults receive a diagnosis annually, among 10,000 newly reported leukemia cases. However, according to research conducted by the charity Leukaemia Care, only 14 percent of people can identify the four primary symptoms.

“Early detection plays a crucial role in leukemia, which is why it’s vital for patients to recognize the signs,” states Professor Hendrik-Tobias Arkenau, a specialist in blood cancers at University College London Hospitals.

In addition to bruises, tiredness, and unexpected bleeding, he mentions that patients should be alert to rapid weight loss, excessive sweating at night, and fever.

It’s equally crucial for patients to stay persistent. Regrettably, with rare cancers, it’s uncommon to receive an accurate diagnosis on the initial visit, making it essential to return to the physician if symptoms do not improve or evolve.

Fiona Hazell, CEO of Leukaemia UK, states: “Numerous individuals remain unaware of the indicators and manifestations until they themselves or someone close to them receives a diagnosis. However, timely detection can save lives, which is why our aim is to ensure greater awareness among people to consult their general practitioner for a complete blood count examination if concerns arise.”

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