When were you diagnosed with Leukemia? I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on November 5th, 2014 at Diamond Children’s Hospital. I originally was admitted to Tucson Medical Center to be treated for Chronic Migraines, but a blood test revealed that I was extremely anemic and my immune system was compromised causing them to transfer me by ambulance to Diamond. The morning after arriving at Diamond Children’s I was given a bone marrow biopsy that showed 33% of my bone marrow to be cancerous as well as a lumbar puncture with chemo to prevent the cancer from spreading to my spine and brain. AML Leukemia is very rare in children, it is most commonly found in people over the age of 65. Currently there are 230 adolescents ages 15-19 battling AML. |
Tell us what was going through your mind when you were diagnosed. When my doctor told me I had leukemia I was in complete shock and almost refused to believe it. I feared not graduating on time, hair loss and of course dying. I was confused out of my mind, I wondered why I was chosen to fight this battle and how I was going to survive. |
How do you stay inspired and positive during the most difficult times? I never want anyone else to suffer through this terrible disease, I am inspired to keep fighting so eventually people won’t have too. I’ve learned that sometimes you need to breakdown and curse the world because what me and so many other are going through is unfair, by being able to admit that the situation sucks it’s easier to stay positive. I think being positive is one of the most important things a patient can do during treatment, and gaining that positivity shows true strength and courage. |
Walk us through the loss of your hair (how did it make you feel, were you scared, did you hate it at first, etc). When I was diagnosed the doctors told me I had 2-4 weeks left with my hair, I think that scared me more than anything. Hair is something that we are taught to need and expect, losing it not only makes you stand out in the real world, but makes you look sick. When I began losing my hair it was coming out in big chunks, I started by cutting off a few inches and by the next day I was empowered enough by my friends and family to shave it off. Shaving my head was the hardest thing I have ever done, losing your hair means you have nothing to hide behind. I started crying my eyes out as I sat in my hospital room with a razor to my head. I refused to look in the mirror until later that night, when I finally did, I just cried. Losing my hair was a reality check of what I am going through. It wasn’t until my first photoshoot that I began to truly feel beautiful without hair. |
What/who are the top things/people that have helped you tremendously during your journey? My family has really kept me strong throughout the whole process, but I’ve formed great relationships with my outstanding nurses and my oncologist. I’ve also got amazing friends who come visit and keep me updated on the real world. Other than that, I really enjoy writing because it allows me to express how I’m feeling and I know it will be great to read in the future. |
What was your favorite part about your senior session with Natalie Lindberg Photography? Natalie Lindberg is an amazing photographer, she has such a loving and fun personality and I really enjoyed just getting to know her and finding fun places for our shoot. My favorite part of my session was being able to be myself in front of the camera to show that bald is beautiful. Natalie really inspired me to embrace my inner and outer beauty. |
What advice do you have for others battling cancer? MY advice for other battling cancer is to believe in yourself and find your strength. There are going to be days that suck, but you’re also going to have little victories that you have to embrace. Most importantly, I hope everyone battling cancer feels empowered and beautiful without their hair. |
How did seeing the photos from your senior session with Natalie Lindberg Photography make you feel? Seeing the photos from my shoot made me feel absolutely beautiful and so special. It was such a great experience and I’m so lucky to have been able to do it. Your website & blog is amazing! We think it is so, so inspirational. Where did you get your idea? & What made you want to start it? I wanted to start a blog so my friends and family could learn more about AML and keep up with how I am doing. It’s also a great way for me spend time in the hospital. To learn more about Kelsey and her journey click here. |
xoxo