I consistently felt short of breath and fatigued throughout the month of July 2019. By the end of the month, I found myself needing to sit down multiple times to catch my breath while mowing the lawn. That night, I went online to schedule an appointment at the Marathon Health & Wellness Center.
During my appointment, Chris-Ann Lauria, NP, asked me about my family and medical history. After reviewing my blood test results, she informed me that my hemoglobin levels were at 6.8. She calmly explained that I was anemic, and that I needed to go to the emergency room for a blood transfusion.
Thanks to Marathon Health, I was made aware of my condition and began seeing a specialist, which ultimately led to a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Luckily, the cancer was caught early enough that I was able to avoid further complications and bone lesions.
Following a successful bone marrow transplant, I am now in remission. I am doing more to improve my health by taking walks at night and doing my best to eat healthy. If there is one thing I have learned throughout this experience, it is the importance of getting your yearly physical – that one simple appointment could save your life!
