When Quest Diagnostics screened Renee’s blood after her 9Health Fair visit, they found iron levels that were much lower than the average range. The Media Specialist from the local elementary school took the results to her doctor as she had always done the past 14 years. She said it’s what she and her husband always do. It is their little routine each spring to help maintain optimum health.
Renee’s physician reviewed the 9Health Fair results and ordered additional blood work in hopes that the numbers were inaccurate. Unfortunately, the test yielded the exact same result. Other medical puzzle pieces fell into place. Anemia and immature red blood cells were discovered; both of which took away doubt the diagnosis would not be serious.
Final investigative testing occurred at the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Pavilion. With a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, Renee was diagnosed with Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. This rare form of cancer causes lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to become enlarged and contain tiny particles that may interfere with immune system function.
In Renee’s case, she is able to treat her disease with chemotherapy pills at home once per week and still do what she loves at school. “I will live to be an old lady,” Renee said. Light and heat pose new challenges for her however. She draws her window blinds closed during the day to protect her eyes and stays out of direct sunlight. “If it wasn’t for the 9Health Fair, I would still be plodding along, probably for years and that cancer would have been growing and growing. No doubt, I am a very lucky woman.”
Start your summer knowing your numbers so you can keep creating more moments that matter to you. 9Health Fairs run through June 1. Click HERE to find one near you.