Winnie Foo Hui Yii is one of the many people who have had their lives saves by a stem cell transplant. Her story is inspirational and encouraging to other people currently battling cancer.
At the age of 17, Winnie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). It causes the blood and bone marrow produce too many immature white blood cells. Symptoms of the condition include fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising. AML can be life-threatening because it often spreads to other parts of the body including the brain and liver.
Winnie knew something was wrong because she had been unwell for a few weeks. A blood test confirmed it was AML and she was quickly sent to Sarawak General Hospital’s haematology unit to receive chemotherapy.
The doctors decided she would need a stem cell transplant. It would allow her body to start producing healthy blood cells again — essential after receiving high doses of chemotherapy. She was transferred to Hospital Ampang, one of 11 facilities in Malaysia that perform stem cell transplants.
The doctors said her AML was on the verge of metastasising and spreading into other parts of her body. They had just caught it early enough.
The doctors tested Winnie’s relatives in the hope that their bone marrow would be compatible for the stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, none of her relatives had a close match.
The doctors began searching donor databases and eventually found seven potential matches. It was an expensive process, but fortunately, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society stepped in to help with the expenses. She received her stem cell transplant and has recovered from AML. Another incredibly stem cell success story.
Source: Cancer survivor shares how she was saved by stem cell transplant
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