Vertigo and FATIGUE Led to My RARE Blood CANCER Diagnosis: Cathy's Story | The Patient Story

Out of the blue Cathy T. started getting vertigo and dizziness while driving home. Her symptoms kept happening over the next few weeks and she became extremely fatigued. After blood tests, her platelet count was found to be low. After further testing, she learned she had an enlarged spleen and abnormal red blood cells. After a month of uncertainty, Cathy was officially diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis.
In this video, Cathy shares what those initial symptoms felt like, how she processed the diagnosis, and advice for others who may be starting a similar journey. Her story highlights the importance of listening to your body when something feels off.
Full story & transcript → thepatientstory.com/patient-s...
*Special thanks to ABBVIE for its support of our patient education program. The Patient Story retains full editorial control of all content.
✉️ Stay connected: Sign up for our newsletter to receive more inspiring patient stories, the latest medical updates and personalized advice: www.thepatientstory.com/newsl...
Join Our Community:
Website : www.thepatientstory.com/
Facebook: @ThePatientStory
Instagram: @ThePatientStory
Twitter: @patient_story
Contents of this video:
00:00 Introduction
02:19 My first symptoms
04:01 Getting a blood test
06:22 Researching what my diagnosis could be
11:26 Getting the diagnosis
13:17 Processing the diagnosis
16:57 Talking with family about my diagnosis
22:46 Undergoing chemotherapy
25:38 Preparing for a stem cell transplant
25:59 My brother matched as a donor
#cancersurvivor #cancersurvivor #cancerstories #thepatientstory #myelofibrosis #rarecancer #MPN #cancerresearch #bloodcancer #cancertreatment #myeloproliferativeneoplasms #myeloproliferativeneoplasm #fightmyelofibrosis
#raredisease #bloodcancer #hematology #diagnosis #treatment #transplant #advocacy

[@ThePatientStory]

We'd love to hear from you! Want to share your story 👉 www.thepatientstory.com/share-your-story/?KZbin&

[@jansmith3158]

covid EXPERIMENTAL shots are causing blood cancers & all other types including in young people. watch "Dr Fuellmich grand jury day 1' rumble Stew peters interviews with Dr Jane ruby. if you have cancer you need to detox the heavy metals mercury, graphene etc from these EXPERIMENTAL shots and parasites too.

[@HB-zl1di]

cathy really does speaks with such intelligence and intent , what a lovely lady she’s been through so bloody much and is yet still such a beacon of inspiration, i can only hope she finds comfort and peace.💕

[@nette0520]

I am 44 y/o, I keep telling maybe because of menopause, that’s I have sysmptoms like vertigo. It turn out I have spleenic mass (my spleen is enlarge maybe 3x/4x than my normal, i felt pain in my left side abdomin, in my ribs, althrough my back and already radaites to my shoulder) it is already metastasis in my lungs and liver. I was biopsied in liver (mayo by accident) and the dianosed was angiosarcoma😢 stage 4. Actually the oncologist give me already a few months to live, esp. if not given treatment (if given may 1yr to 2ys). oh this was last september 2023. As of now, i just started my chemo (weekly) last week in diff hospital, was hold this week, bec of some side effects (monday), hoping for this coming monday. I keep on googling, youtube, already member of some fb page for cancer patients, can’t stop even advised to stop. I am already ready you know but my family won’t accept, so we’re still trying. And they gave me hope and I have faith in God’s miracle🙏😊

[@checkfactschecking]

I had a similar experience. I was terribly dizzy if I bent over and then stood up. Anyone I told said it was normal and I should just stand up more slowly. It got worse, I was always tired and the response was "you aren't eating well, get more exercise etc, etc. When I exercised I would drop from exhaustion in short order. I finally blacked out completely and decided to see the doctor. I got a full blood test and they were very straight forward with me. I was asked, 'Did I have my affairs in order? I should get them in order just in case'. I saw the initial blood test report which was pretty clear that I had Leukemia. I still had to go through the bone marrow extraction which was unpleasant but manageable producing a numbing deep pain from head to toe but not excruciating. It's bearable and only a few minutes long. I have dense bones and my Oncologist was a slim older woman who had to use all her strength, I could hear her grunting and making exclamations, LOL. Turns out that I had a defect in my chromosomes (PH+) which meant that I had myelogenous leukemia. Luckily it turned out to be chronic rather than acute. CML. The worst shock is when they then sent home, but to stop at the hospital pharmacy with a prescription to get my medication. I thought is would be covered by OHIP. I wasn't given any warning whatsoever that the medication was $7,800 that I had to pay for right then and that medication wasn't covered by insurance. The second shock was, while I was coming to terms with the $7,000, I learned that "no it wasn't a one time charge", and it would cost be that every month for the rest of my life. I didn't make anywhere close to 100,000 a year. I immediately had dark thoughts about how I wouldn't burden my family with such financial hell and said I would pass, and I started to leave. I was told to wait a minute and the pharmacist came to talk to me telling me that there was help through my province's drug plan that covered most of the cost. Why did they made me go through all this shock!!! I paid the nearly $8000 to my charge card and looked into the government Trillium drug plan that they told me about. My drug cost dropped to a little over 1/4 of the total. Eventually the drug costs dropped dramatically with competition and a competing drug was actually more effective for me. Now that I'm in retirement and my pension has kicked in, I pay almost nothing. I love Canada. If I were living elsewhere I would probably be dead.

[@westcoast7185]

Thanks for sharing. God bless you

[@sarahhanby2457]

I’m sorry this has happened to you and you were stuck paying that amount. Glad you’re doing better now. 😊

[@checkfactschecking]

@@sarahhanby2457 Thanks.🙂

[@krummstub]

Healthcare in other countrys in pretty ruff sometimes, i live in Germany and you get insurance by law without paying anything. Im realy greatful of that, best wishes to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@paulinemcallister9855]

We get everything free all doctor s X-rays op dentist hospital appointment s pregnant we got great NHS in Scotland xi got blood cancer cll.for3years need no treatment I get terrible sweats and dizzy that's all took no vaccines had 3newknews hip done free my son's are 202234my only girl is44.i do not stop always on the goxblessings nanapollyx 🙏 my number s have got betterx

[@seronbirnbaum6414]

I walked this journey too. Hitting my 5th year post transplant. I’m glad you are doing well.

[@anniemangru3037]

Very strong and wise woman. She did the right thing to educate herself in order to ask the right questions. A lot of people would get angry but she channelled her energy to learning about the disease. Never hurt to be knowledgeable. Good for her❤

[@danbernstein4694]

Welcome to the club . Myelofibrosis survivor here. I am 3 years out from a successful transplant. The problem for me is that the whole process pretty much wrecked my body- lots of negative effects like dental decay, intense pains (CRPS), and near disability. No light at the end of the tunnel for me, I am sorry to say.

[@jacobhillanbrand7988]

When you say you are at work you don't think about it. I'm the same exact way because i think your mind is preoccupied and don't think about anxiety which is what I have. Soon as I'm home the anxiety starts and can't sleep. God bless you and good luck on your journey.

[@lorraineday4141]

I also have blood cancer MPN Polycythemia Vera. Currently giving Interferon injections. I'm 71yr. old. I believe I have had for long time. Doctors could not diagnosis, even when cbc numbers were right there on paper. You are strong and have good support, continue healing.

[@nurse_vest]

This was so relatable to me! (Going through breast cancer) We are so much alike! I know that feeling of researching until your brain gets tired and shuts down and you don’t want to know anymore (from reputable sites).

[@130crowd]

A paradigm of the informed patient. Cool and collected, managing her fear, duly confident to join in decision making about her own care. These interviews are all excellent; this is among he very best.

[@mariapug]

So beautiful, calm and collected. She’s a picture of dignity. I know I wouldn’t be half as strong as she was.

[@5Gburn]

I just love this couple! So serene, did anyone else feel that? And of course, intelligent about all their decisions. I 100% relate to Cathy's nervousness about the bone marrow biopsy. I haven't had one, but recently I had a surgery where I had 5 injections to my finger bone. I was fully conscious. Let's just say I'd give up all our national secrets to avoid going through that again. She's tougher than I am!!!

[@Ceerads]

Seems that someone has already given up our national secrets, and quite willingly.

[@desiertoscacti5388]

Absolutely, they are wonderful!

[@roxiesorrells4552]

Praying for God to place his loving and comforting arms around you and your family

[@JoWebber-Whiting]

What an absolutely beautiful woman inside and out ❤

[@user-rv4dw5nj6z]

Thank you- I had the same diagnosis - had bone marrow transplant - January 2018 Praying for you!

[@takethenaturalpath7350]

WERE YOU VAXXED

[@monicalararodriguez2594]

I had auto inmune thrombocytopenia for 6 months may platelets were 47 and I also had a lot of episodes of dizziness and tinnitus. I told my doctor if the dizziness has to do with my low platelets, and she said no. I know it was related because once my platelets came back to a normal range, all the dizziness and the tinnitus went away. My Doctor send me to a hematologist they did a blood smear and thank God everything was fine, that is when I got the auto inmune thrombocytopenia diagnosis.

[@charliechan6827]

Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery, Cathy. Love and support to you and your loved ones. God is Great.

[@lizzymoore54]

Keeping you, your husband and your family in our prayers, Cathy. Thank you for sharing your story. 🙏👑🙏

[@desiertoscacti5388]

I can't point out how much I love this couple. The respect, deep love and understanding between them are so obvious, I wish them and their family the best in life, health and love always!

[@cathytauscher6760]

Amazing interview both Cathy and her husband are so strong. Very fortunate to have a great allogeneic transplant and no graft vs host disease!!!

[@dianewristen]

YOU ARE BEING BLESSED EACH DAY WITH THE SPIRIT YOU EXUDE. BLESSINGS AND THANK YOU

[@clemqueens1943]

Cathy, thank you for doing this video. I have Myelofibrosis 3 and weeks away from a stem Cell Transplant. I agree that I’m not scared to die. I am concerned about my family. I do not have a sibling match but I do have a 10/10 match. So very grateful for my donor! Of course your husband is a wonderful caregiver. My husband will also be mine. He’s surprising me with how he’s handling it all. I feel so very lucky. I hope you have a wonderful life with your family. ❤

[@byronjaffe518]

Cathy, you are a beautiful and young person, and so glad your allo stem cell transplant has been successful. There are so many cutting edge treatments for rare blood disorders today, and your fortunate you were near a leading research center. I live near a leading research center, and was there with a family member who is a patient ( and doing very good ) and the nurse came in and said she just had three patients who are 6,7, and 9 years post allo transplant and are still in CR. It was assume to hear ! All the best and continued good health to you, your caregiver and your whole family.

[@rinaconstantine2891]

Dear Cathy thankyou for sharing your story. You explained it very well. I wish you good health going forward. You are a special lady and have a loving family. ❤

[@anniemangru3037]

What a caring husband.

[@carolisherwood493]

Dear Cathy. Please get well❤️

[@heatherlindsay4278]

Everyday is so precious but more so when you have a serious illness I send you my prayers for you to live many many more yrs and for your family and children may God bless you all and bring you back to full health 🙏 ❤️ xx

[@Ceerads]

A very strong, beautiful couple. I wish them both good health and everything else good in life.

[@faithf5846]

Praying for you precious Cathy. So good your husband & family is supportive 🙏❤️

[@lindak7499]

Thank you for this story - what a lovely lady. I am a firm believer in a person having to be their own advocate when comes to their health. As Cathy did, we need to ask questions and/or question tests and treatments, etc. Not because we think doctors don't know what they are doing but because doctors don't know YOU. They also don't know everything. And that's OK. Like Cathy I like to look things up on the internet and like Cathy I too check more than one source and again, ask questions. Much happiness to you and your family Cathy.

[@sfbusinessfinancing]

Thank you so very much, Cathy, for sharing this journey. Prayers for you & your family.

[@monicalararodriguez2594]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@justicewillprevail1106]

She's such a beautiful lady.

[@loorye1]

Bravo for the calmness the dignity. Which you all the best thank you for sharing your story. Big big hug

[@jelkamikulic3311]

Best wishes prayers sent 🙏

[@JL-xg7xb]

Thank you for sharing your story and journey.

[@yeohliangim2939]

Hello Cathy a speedy recovery god bless you always ❤🙏

[@brooks6348]

Best wishes for continued good health!

[@ellyzabeth8008]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jmr9735]

What a sweet couple. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@fearlessfreespirited5614]

Praying for you

[@barbaraglover4451]

I am 73 and I trouble with Vertigo and Fatigue and some times I get dizzy

[@orbyjett2864]

Thank you for sharing. God Bless 🙏🙂

[@cherylveon7721]

I have the JAK2 mutation as well but it is presenting as ET. If it stays that way it is not life threatening but there's always a slim chance it can go to myelofibrosis. My mother had same thing. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@truthsocial7338]

Best wishes

[@annberrios9759]

great couple

[@venternicky9599]

I wish you all the luck❤

[@cindyjones8284]

I had several concerns at a yearly physical. All attributed to menopause and getting older. Luckily did my labs before I left. Got a call that afternoon. Guess what? Not just menopause. It was Chronic Myeloid Leukemia! Pretty bad labs too!

[@djcoolrule]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheChrooner]

What a Beautiful Soul.Get Well soon

[@ThePatientStory]

Thank you for watching!

[@everythingjen1]

I will be keeping you in deep Prayer 🙏.. ((hugs)) from Danville, IL

[@lizzijansen6527]

I’m from Danville as well.

[@rhondawolfe7495]

I live in Peoria, IL and travel to Danville for the VA clinic at times. Small world.

[@mariadromero313]

❤she is sweet my husband have this thing but he is strong man almost 5 years ❤but the treatment is good and I try take care of him

[@joannsmith9]

What a beautiful lady inside and outside

[@KangaJack-ns9gd]

I had Essential Thrombocytosis which is another milder malignancy in the '' Myeloproliferative disease spectrum'', and it transformed to Myelofibrosis. How fortunate was I to also develop Acute Leukemia right before the Bone Marrow transplant.

[@gailpr67]

Hello my name is Gail I’m 56 I have ET with JAK2 and TET2 mutations on Hydroxyurea 500mg Can you please tell how long it took for the transformation to Myelofibrosis and what symptoms did you experience. Thank you how you are doing well ❤

[@KangaJack-ns9gd]

@@gailpr67 My comments are not sticking for some reason. Will make them short. It probably took me 6 years from ET diagnosis to Myelofibrosis transformation.

[@KangaJack-ns9gd]

@@gailpr67 Underwent BMT 3 years ago, and free of all disease.

[@jimmcconnell7328]

Could you tell me if all cases of thrombocytosis develops into myelofirosis? You say it took 6yrs to develop into acute leukemia. Did the doctors say if it could develop earlier than that time frame? Sorry about all the questions but it’s not just out of curiosity. I know little about these conditions that could affect my health. Thank you.

[@KangaJack-ns9gd]

@@jimmcconnell7328 If you don't have them, why worry. Can't worry about everything in life.

[@bbknits2074]

I have the Jack 2 essential Thrombocythaemia. I had passed out a couple of times before this and asked doc if that had been a sign of et. Told no but I’m convinced it was 😳

[@jansmith3158]

Cathy look into long fasting to heal your body from cancer. This straves the cancer. Wishing you all the best in your healing journey.

[@drewb367]

How does it work?

[@linettehall9848]

Thank you so much for your story : polycythemia myelofibrosis Myeloproliferative neoplasm. Hospital 2020 cellulitis/ sepsis and again cellulitis/ sepsis 2022 . This time hospital didn't miss my cancer yep; Jack 2 gene . Nice to meet another mysterious diagnose. I have 9 rare disease. 3% precursor blast cell

[@karatekai6384]

I totally agree with googling I know Drs say No I agree it’s not for everyone but for me my way of thinking is if something is of not right , the person who knows me most is me the practical side of me say if theirs a problem find the solution . What ever it mean s

[@thegeminiclub]

Well you look pretty healthy and you don’t look like your body is going to shut down any time soon

[@henrylee2964]

I figured our your problem. Don't rely on Kaiser medical team. Get a 2nd opinion from UCLA or cedar Sinai. I have type 2 diabetes; high triglycerides, high LDL; A1c=9.8 The Kaiser endocrinologist told me dont worry i have lots of patients who even have A1C>>12. The Kaiser dietician wouldn't review Xcel meal plan so i could change my diet, I saw physiatrist who thought i have ADHD so he prescribed me Vyvanse. I ask him why he thought i have ADHD. This doctor wont return my emails or talk. So you see Kaiser hires doctors who barely got out of medical school. SO if you want a higher quality medical team to help you then change to ULCA. I did and the medical team is more responsive; competent and 100% better.

[@moonembracethesun1061]

I guess it fate that this Vlog hit my tablet . I am home resting . Between tests . I had vertigo. And my family doctor brush if off as some kind of bug. And now it's getting worst . Bruise start showing up underneath my skin of awkward places like top of my foot . And behind my fingers . And am extreme tired and lost of appetite. My family doctor finally take me serious. And now getting me tested .thanks to Kathy . I could do my own research . While getting tested.

[@hamsterdiving7593]

If you've been 💉💉💉 it's from that. My sympathies

[@amandanell2708]

​@@hamsterdiving7593i

[@camerajen]

@@hamsterdiving7593seriously? 😂

[@hamsterdiving7593]

@@camerajen Yes. Seriously. Where the hell have you been the last three years? It's almost 2024, and you STILL do not see what is happening in the world Unbelievable...

[@generousbitcoinbillionaire]

​@camerajen 100 percent If it's RARE it's likely that. Friend died around Xmas from a 1 in 100 mill rare blood disorder Wake up people..check out the pfizer documents.

[@ifyouranushadaface9460]

Im always tired and i get vertigo for no reason too…now im scared as fuck

[@happycook6737]

Go talk to your doctor.

[@fruitypie3219]

Me too, scared

[@Bunny11344]

Same mine is so severe there are times I can’t get out of bed even rolling my head is too much.

[@jacobhillanbrand7988]

Don't be scared. Death gotta be easy cause life is hard. When our time is up its up. As long as your not suffering just keep pushing forward. When we die we don't feel pain. If your symptoms are bothering you bad talk to the doctor

[@michaelkensington2494]

🙏

[@nancylim5098]

Be extra careful with specialty medications. Most have risk factors from side effects. Instead, treatment makes it worse and more complicated. RIP to my beautiful niece passed away at very young age due to treatment complications. She developed lots of health issues during her treatment, and last hospitalization was treated at USC . She got worse strokes.

[@luislallave9666]

Cathy, I hope you can read this. Please try to cut off all types of sweets including fruits and keep your body alkalined

[@pennyloafer3358]

I had a noise like that, and intense vertigo, when I had a stroke. The noise was like an underwater helicopter.

[@BIKENESS]

I've heard that too for one whole day vertigo came on years later but only twice..I ignore everything till it goes away lol

[@jenx5870]

I have tinnitus, blurry vision at times, and severe vertigo. I also have POTS and migraines. I suffer from fatigue quite frequently, but I have fibromyalgia, plus I have CRPS and I am on a lot of pain meds for that. I wouldn't know if I had this because I already have all of the symptoms.

[@jeandelnvader]

Hi Cathy. Please check Dr. John Campbell's KZbin channel. Look for his vlog on Cancer activation and the video yesterday or 2 days ago. The information presented might help you. God bless!

[@fionabell1744]

Yes yes look at this x

[@mariadromero313]

❤

[@generousbitcoinbillionaire]

From the jabs. Still can't believe how many people fell for govt manipulation

[@joekevandermeer]

❤

[@amyjenkins9187]

Was just having tear drop shape cells the only indication of it?

[@patperno6237]

🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@splash6427]

🙏 ❤️ 🙏

[@dw1920]

I have pv found thru bloodwork

[@drewb367]

How are you managing it?

[@retiredafce3373]

Care givers are lacking these days!

[@michoi9578]

My husband went to er because of dizziness. It was just infection for him . But the nurse said there a lot of people come to er with same symptoms like you . But they got vaccinated and have blood clots and serious things in their body . They are dying .

[@Ceerads]

This has nothing to do with vaccines.

[@kelvinlowe2245]

This is not the site for your conspiracy BS

[@lennetteruss4027]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😘🥰

[@henrythoreau3681]

Safe and effective. All this investigating, except for where it matters. Asian women, you need to break out of the hive mind, or you aren't going to make it.

[@jenx5870]

My aunt and her sister are from China, and they are also very strong willed and independent. She is in her late fifties, so I don't think they are as much of the "shrinking violet" stereotype that you think they are. They may present that way to strangers in public, because saving face is very important to them, but behind closed doors, they are quite different. They are from Guangzhou, so they are from China proper, and not from a more metropolitan area, so I don't think my aunts are an outlier.

[@generousbitcoinbillionaire]

Ineffective and harmful. We just dance around the obvious. People need to start suing!

[@jodeeblue9663]

❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@Mike-mh5rl]

Hey Cathy have you ever looked into urine therapy? I’d suggest looking into the book called “The water of life” by John Armstrong

[@drewb367]

How does it work?

[@Ceerads]

@@drewb367Unless an oncologist or other medical professional prescribes any cancer treatment, it’s bull.

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

I’ve Neva meet an Asian person with cancer and I’ve worked in Healthcare for over 10 yrs

[@Re3iRtH]

I'm an M.D. / radiologist and I diagnose Asian people with cancer almost every day. No one is immune to cancer.

[@generousbitcoinbillionaire]

​@@Re3iRtHI'm a registered nurse and I've seen more cancer in Asian people than most others...the jabs have increased cancer in all populations. Stop complying.

[@Ceerads]

Yeah, I’m sure you’ve met MILLIONS of Asians. And even if you did, you can’t base anything on anecdotal information.

[@Lbecky1]

You are so beautiful 😍

[@Rowan-mo4ko]

Vertigo is something completely different and has to do with heights. The symptoms may have been similar. Bruising doesnt come from being clumsy either.

[@YaYaPaBla]

Vertigo can also be caused from horrible inner ear infections.

[@YaYaPaBla]

People with blood clotting disorders bruise easily

[@simsimafahie4673]

😊

[@just1lifexx11]

Love baby.. I'm blood cancer also.... but the lord want us home early

[@generousbitcoinbillionaire]

No..the govt, Bill Gates and Klaus schwab want you home early. It's population co troll

[@aktech3271]

Her picture must be 20 years younger

[@ddajani45]

Ppl behind will follow one day we all die we are all terrified from it ..but in my opinion knowing that your going die to me is much better than dieing suddenly..u have time to make amends get your things in order and say your goodbyes.. cancer suks but then again all death suks

[@takethenaturalpath7350]

WERE YOU VAXXED?

[@hamsterdiving7593]

It's not rare when it's caused by the 💉💉💉 . It's entirely INTENTIONAL

[@StopLuPuTi]

Conventional medicine alone won’t heal you. Research a good integrative functional doctor as well who’s specializing on oncology

[@Ceerads]

Guess what? I’m a 24.5-year breast cancer survivor and convention medicine is what saved my life and the lives of myriad others.

[@JonCurtin]

She took the vaccine

[@BIKENESS]

Check somewhere else. I have high blood platelets cause same issues.. don't accept this

[@hivaidsprevention]

Vertigo and FATIGUE Led to My RARE Blood CANCER Diagnosis

[@drewb367]

How are you dealing with it? Medication?

[@hivaidsprevention]

i don;t know@@drewb367

[@Cingearth]

Cut all sugar from your diet! And eat garlic daily !