Blood Cancer &
 Leukemia

A Survivor's Story

The Diagnosis

A diagnosis of a life threatening disease can be very overwhelming and often times devastating, particularly when you have been delivered the news more than once. Upon my initial diagnosis, nearly seven years ago, I remember so distinctly the physician's words as they lashed out at me, "You have Acute Myeloid Leukemia". How could this be? At the time, I held a job that required me to travel all over the world. It was not unusual to be on a plane several times a week. Anyone that was a road warrior would be tired and bruised. Little did I know that I was sick and deathly sick for that matter. Suddenly my world began to change and what was about to happen to me was the start of an incredible experience.

Statistically this type of Leukemia allows for a 14% chance of survival. Exiting the office, I realized just how serious the possibility of death could become a reality. I was not sure where to start. How would I inform my family and friends and still maintain the pillar of strength that they had come to know? Believing that ones flight through life is sustained by the power of their knowledge; I began to acquire all the information regarding my disease, none of which was very encouraging. This was a frightening time, as I was now entering a completely new world that consisted of men and women in white lab coats speaking a foreign language. It was not difficult to witness that the journey I was about to embark on would be a strenuous challenge mentally, physically and financially.

Preparation & Hope

Like any journey, there is always preparation. Even though the statistics were not promising, I knew that I would have to compose a plan so that I would successfully achieve remission. This proved to be a strenuous endeavor since I was still digesting the diagnosis. Hope is an essential part of the will to live. Most patients want to know their odds of a cure, however they must remember that they are not a statistic, but a single human being and statistics are no more than averages. Time was a significant factor, and I needed to be sure that I understood fully all options that were available to me. Deep within the walls of my soul, my inner strength began to shine and I was successful in finding a Comprehensive Cancer Center with a medical team that shared my vision for success and a quality lifestyle. I was already a survivor, for I was still alive after hearing that I had Leukemia. The greatest single mortality factor in cancer is the patient believing that death and cancer are synonymous. The road to recovery generally is not easy and to give up would require no commitment. Fighting means complete change of lifestyle and leaving your comfort zone. It is also a matter of knowledge, a matter of educating yourself about every detail, and assembling all your resources.

A Positive Attitude

Regardless of the type of treatment one receives, a major factor in obtaining success is your attitude. Maintaining a positive approach at all times is vital. Throughout my treatment, I knew that I would have to strive to achieve excellence and attempt perfection. Anything less was unacceptable. This meant having a good relationship with my medical team. Communication was to become the most important tool between us. Every aspect of the disease and treatment had to be explained so that I fully understood and could become an active participant and not a recipient. We can never fully understand the power of our spirit. It provides great encouragement and oxygenates the soul.

Seven Years After Diagnosis

It has been seven years since I was diagnosis and I have outlived the doctor who initially gave me only a few short months to live. Two years ago, I did my first marathon and did not know at the time that my disease was back. Having been dealt Leukemia, has allowed me to discover many a terrain. I would not have had the opportunities of meeting such fine individuals from around the world, or the ability to share my experiences and inspirations. Over the years, I have become a member into an elite group. This elite group of courageous individuals will continuously be challenged with many uncertainties. The world behind their eyes is more real to them than the world before their eyes. Throughout my four remissions, I have come away knowing that life after cancer is all about living and that survivorship is a powerful place, it is a victory, and a reason for celebration. It is not about the journey, but about the adversity and hanging tough, despite bad luck and difficult circumstances. I have opened myself up to the possibilities of this challenge and it has taken me in directions that I never imagined. The road to success will always be under construction.

While there is no prevention of the disease yet, it can be treated effectively. Through out the years significant strides have been made, but the work is far from finished. There is no reason why we cannot maintain a fine quality of life during a life-threatening crisis. The will to live is in itself energy. In the words of the late Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, you can do it. Make each day your masterpiece".

Marie B Margason Portsmouth, NH 2004

Note: Marie Margason continues to live a quality life and is in her fourth remission. She is currently training for her first international debut in the Toronto Marathon this fall.

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