Samara’s diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) came almost by accident.
The thorough medical practitioner sent her for a multitude of routine blood tests, along with an egg count, with the aim of analyzing her reproductive health. However, within a matter of hours of testing he instead directed Samara to go immediately to Bendigo Health’s Emergency Department due to extremely low blood counts, which she hoped could be a mistake.
“I was definitely scared, I had my mum and dad drive me to ED, but I felt fine and didn’t understand the urgency, I’d been physically tired but looking back there were definitely signs I missed.” Samara says.
Within a few days she had been diagnosed with APML, a rare but serious type of acute myeloid leukemia, “If untreated it can be fatal within one month, but if caught quickly it responds really well to treatment. They caught it early, it was just lucky my doctor ordered those blood tests.“ said Samara.
Samara was rushed to Melbourne for four weeks of intensive treatment before she returned to Bendigo saying she was “technically in remission”.
The staff at Bendigo Health’s Cancer Centre oversaw her remaining four rounds of treatments, occurring daily for four weeks on and four weeks off. Samara describes them as amazing, “I couldn’t fault the nurses they’re so easy going and made me feel so calm and comfortable. I had some adverse side effects, which they really responded to, pausing my treatment to ensure they got it right.”
“It wasn’t easy being there daily, but the staff made it so much easier. They’re serious about their jobs but in a really light hearted way that made it so much easier for me to want to attend.” Said Samara.
Samara had her final treatment in May 2025, having her PICC line removed 8 months to the day since it was inserted.
Funds from Bendigo Health’s 2025 Dry July campaign will improve the experience and outcomes for cancer patients by enhancing the equipment and support available through our Cancer Centre, community oncology program and cancer exercise rehabilitation program.