As September comes to a close, it draws an end to childhood cancer awareness month. There have been many people who have been diagnosed with such life-threatening diseases, such as a sophomore at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS), Tiana John, who shares her journey after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. John’s story shines a light on childhood cancer awareness and her strength through this difficult time.

John was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 28, 2023, at only 15 years old. She had no symptoms of leukemia during her regular Pediatric Associates checkup. She informed me how her CBC showed a meager white blood cell count making her have to go to the ER immediately. After several days and tests being done on her, the doctors told her that she had leukemia, making her go into a state of shock.

Additionally, she had to attend an online school with a program called Hospital Homebound for kids who can’t participate in school in person due to medical issues. John’s immune system had weakened from the treatment she had been taking, her white blood cell count was low, and it made it very easy for her to get infections and illnesses. She explained, “It was safer for me to stay home and avoid crowded places like school.”

Thankfully, after doing school online for a year, she was finally able to return to school once most of her treatments finished.

She explains to cure her cancer, the doctors had to use chemotherapy as the primary treatment, which made her emotional, but she knew she had to fully recover. “They explained that chemo helps kill the cancer cells in my body. It’s a process involving several phases, and each chemo side effect has been tough, but it’s working,” Tiana explains.

She had to take a special therapy called Blinatumomab which is a medication. “Some [doses of the medicine] have no side effects, but others can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, tiredness, body pain, fevers, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and allergic reactions. This makes the experience unpredictable and tough to manage,” John said.

Carrying around a small backpack with her everywhere, she reveals, “I was connected to an IV for 28 days straight, but it was a small bag [that prevents me from dehydrating], [thankfully] I could walk around and do my normal things with it.”

Through all the difficulties that came with chemotherapy and being diagnosed with leukemia, John made the best out of it so that the treatment could go by quickly and effectively.

One piece of advice John wanted to share with anyone facing cancer is the importance of clear communication about medication. It’s crucial to discuss your options with your doctor to ensure you’re feeling your best. For instance, she was prescribed medication to prevent vomiting, but it eventually became ineffective. By letting my doctor know, she was able to find a more effective solution that truly helped.

John’s story can be set as an inspiring story of not giving up and perseverance. “To anyone going through cancer, I’d say to stay strong and lean on your loved ones for support,” John expresses. “It’s okay to have tough days but remember to cherish the little victories and take advantage of your good days. Surround yourself with positivity, and don’t hesitate to express your feelings. You’re not alone in this fight.”

Cancer awareness month provides a unique opportunity for everyone to show their support for those facing cancer, reminding them that their struggles are shared. It’s a time to unite, uplift one another, and reinforce the idea that determination pays off. Every small step you take in your journey matters, and the determination to keep pushing forward, even on the tough days, will make a significant difference. Stay hopeful, lean on your support network, and believe that brighter days are ahead.

This story was originally published on CHAT News on October 28, 2024.