Leukemia Diagnosed as Tonsilitis
- Ben Peters, 22, experienced a sore throat and swollen tonsils and doctors misdiagnosed him with tonsilitis.
- Months after his symptoms first presented, he was rushed to the hospital after having trouble breathing, and further tests showed he had leukemia.
- COVID-19 is dramatically reducing cancer screenings; it’s important to get screened and advocate for your health, especially during the pandemic.
Peters’ Leukemia Diagnosis
After he was rushed to the hospital in December while having breathing issues, it was discovered that Peters actually had acute lymphocytic leukemia. The retail worker, Peters, first noticed symptoms of a sore throat and swollen tonsils in October, and couldn’t get in to see a doctor until November. Even at his appointment, he said, doctors were reluctant to fully examine his throat. Related: Young Girl with Leukemia Says Pop Star Demi Lovato's Support Got Her Through CancerWhen he was in the hospital in December, the doctors ran extra tests due to the amount of pain he was in. Peters could barely breathe and his tonsils had swollen to the size of golfballs. After bone marrow tests and blood tests, his cancer diagnosis was confirmed. Peters said of how he felt receiving the diagnosis: “My whole world just shattered. I can remember being told and feeling like I was being pushed back against my chair and I couldn’t get up. It was the worst feeling,” he told The Daily Mail. Peters is now thankfully in remission from his disease.
What is The Treatment For Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Continuing Cancer Screenings Through COVID-19
Thankfully, Peters finally received a correct diagnosis, so he was able to treat his leukemia. The diagnosis came as a surprise to him, though, he says, according to The Daily Mail, “I just knew that something wasn’t right, but I didn’t expect the diagnosis.”
Related: 'Good Morning America' Anchor Amy Robach, 48, On How Handling COVID-19 Is Like Cancer
Peters is one of many whose health has been jeopardized by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns. It’s critically important to continue cancer screenings, even during COVID-19, because earlier detection typically means broader treatment options, and potentially a better prognosis as a result.
It's Important To Continue Cancer Screenings Through COVID-19
Advocating for Your Health
Since going into remission from his leukemia, Peters is urging people to be persistent when it comes to their healthcare and getting treatment. Advocating for your health is so important, and it can be life-saving, too. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell says in a previous interview that patients should go into their doctor appointment with a plan.
He says, “It’s important to know that while we have guidelines– OK– guidelines, especially in this country are meant to take care and do the right thing for the largest number of people, but it’s also with the littlest use of resources. The truth is you have to be in tune with your body, and you realize that you are not the statistic.”
“You are not necessarily going to fit into– well, I don’t have to have a colonoscopy yet because I’m not 50, even though my bowel habits have changed, even though I’m having a lot of blood when I have a bowel movement. That’s why it’s important for you to actually educate yourself and be your own health care advocate. And that’s something that I think is really important. You should lead each doctor’s appointment with a plan.”
Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don't Settle
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