Sandra's Story
Like many mums, Sandra was so busy balancing work and family she didn’t even notice she was sick.
“I would come home from work and couldn’t get off the couch. My husband, David, became increasingly concerned, especially when some bruising and dark spots appeared on my arms,” recalls Sandra.
“David and I have been together for five years. I have grown children from a previous relationship, and he took on my children as if they were his own… he really is a beautiful and amazing man. He is my rock.”
It was David who finally convinced Sandra to go to the doctor.
Sandra had a blood test reluctantly not thinking anything could be wrong. Shortly after the test her GP called asking Sandra to have David bring her in immediately.
With that one phone call, Sandra’s life changed.
“I went from being a full time executive to someone facing the greatest challenge; to save my life. I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at 10:30am one day, and by 6:30am the next day I had travelled from my home in Griffith to Sydney and was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital,” said Sandra.
A stem cell transplant from Sandra’s younger sister was scheduled and it was then Sandra was told the treatment would take at least three months and possibly longer.
“I had no friends or relatives in Sydney – everyone I love was in Griffith, but David has family in Melbourne and I heard about Fight Cancer Foundation’s accommodation centre – BMDI Rotary House. I knew it would be easier for my family to travel and stay with me there during treatment, plus having the support of David’s family in Melbourne also made me feel more secure,” said Sandra.
Two days later, Sandra had a bone marrow biopsy and the couple flew to Melbourne where she began treatment at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
“Being able to stay at BMDI Rotary House was my salvation. Having my family around me while I was receiving treatment and being able to spend time together was just so important in my recovery,” recalls Sandra.
“Even when I was so sick David was by my side. He visited every weekend from Griffith, on my birthday and our wedding anniversary. He brought the kids to visit me along with other family members down from Griffith for gatherings. Nothing was too much trouble for him.”
“There were times during my chemotherapy treatment where I was so ill that I did think perhaps I wouldn’t make it, but I made a promise to my children that I would never leave them.”
Sandra’s promise to her children got her through.
“I look at my journey as my destiny. I always take a positive out of everything. I live for each day and love each special moment. It brought our family closer together,” said Sandra.
Nothing can surpass the amazing power of family and friends, including those I made through my time at BMDI Rotary House. The support I received during my treatment gave me a reason to smile.”
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