Support Karen's Battle Against Leukemia

UPDATE: Appointment went ok.....have to have a stem cell transplant. Dr is starting me on a medication to try and build my platelets up enough to be ok until a donor is found if my brother is not a good candidate. In a few short weeks I will have to start chemo to kill off the unhealthy cells so they can be replaced with the healthy cells. After the transplant, I have to stay in Pittsburgh for 100 days, with a caregiver 24/7. Will have to go to the hospital 3 times a week for treatment in those 100 days. Not sure how I'm gonna do with not being able to see my family and my pup. But I know it has to be done. Please continue prayers and good vibes or whatever it is ya do. Much love to all of you for everything thus far......I knew it was goin to be a long road, just didn't realize how much of a long one it was going to be. ♥️ I got this!! ♥️ Hello, my name is Karen. I really didn't want to do this, but the time has come that I don't have a choice. On April 3, 2024 I went to my family dr for my regular 6 month check-up. As always, bloodwork was ordered. Labs came back and showed my hemacrit, hemoglobin and platelets were very low. More bloodwork and other tests were ordered. With those results, I was referred to a hematologist, Dr. Higbee. She also ran a series of testing and bloodwork. Had a bone marrow biopsy performed, which didn't show much being the sample was too small. In the meantime, have bloodwork done once a week and platelets continued to keep dropping. About 3 weeks ago I have been referred to the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh. Another bone marrow biopsy was performed. It was confirmed I have AML......acute myeloid leukemia. I have recently been in the hospital due to platelets dropping to 14. Had to have a blood transfusion and given platelets. As a result of all of this I am no longer allowed to work. My last day of employment was a month ago and traveling to Pittsburgh and other Dr visits, I'm running out of my own funds. Dr has advised me to contact the disability office, but until I have the interview and everything goes through, it takes alot of time. I truly hate asking for any kind of help as I've always done things for myself. But we all know that the dollar doesn't stretch as far these days as they have in the past, and gas and turnpike tolls and medical bills keep skyrocketing. That being said I will be truly grateful for anything. I will beat this, but it is going to be a very long road to get there. Please say a prayer if that is all your able to do.

Much love,

Karen

If you would like to send a card to me my address is:

Karen Miller

P.O. Box 106

Boynton, Pa 15532