Chronic Leukaemia Doesn't Stop Her From Living a Full Life

Muzaini Akma binti Mustafa Kamal
Leukaemia Survivor

In April 2021, Puan Muzaini had a persistent fever and initially just went to a clinic and took medication. Later on, she had a toothache and went to have it extracted, but she had a fever that was unbearable after the tooth extraction that she asked her husband to take her to the hospital to get checked.

After a blood test, it was discovered that her red blood cell count was extremely low at 5, and her white blood cell count was 300. The doctor diagnosed her with blood cancer and recommended hospitalisation for a blood transfusion.

Further tests revealed Pn Muzaini was suffering from chronic leukaemia. “I cried in front of the doctor, struggling to accept the diagnosis since I had no family history of the disease. However, I was fortunate that my insurance coverage was able to cover the costs of the entire treatment.”

Treatment was challenging for her and she felt like giving up at times. However, her husband and the doctor continuously encouraged her to persevere.

In December 2021, she began stem cell transplant (also known as bone marrow transplant), when her third brother's bone marrow was found to be a match.

“The process required a three-month hospital stay. However, due to stress and the monotonous hospital life, I wanted to go home after two months,” shared Pn Muzaini. “The doctor allowed me to be discharged on the condition that I return for check-ups three times a week, and I felt much happier.”

Throughout the treatment, her husband juggled caring for her in the hospital and looking after their children at home, becoming a crucial support for the family during the COVID period. Despite her illness and worn-out appearance, her husband constantly praised her beauty, helped her bathe daily, and sprayed her with perfume, insisting that she maintain her energy even while being hospitalised.

Puan Muzaini received much support due to her illness and shared her journey on social media to offer warmth to others battling illness. She believes being sick is lonely, but having someone who understands and accompanies you is a blessing.

While she is not considered out of the woods in her cancer journey, this 34 year old’s always carries a cheerful and friendly demeanour. “I love to laugh and make friends. So hopefully after recovering I can enjoy life a little more, travel with my family and savor the present.”

Having recently welcomed a baby, she cherishes every moment with her family even more.