Bruises blamed on pole fitness

Megan Wright, 28, noticed large bruises on her arms that took a month to disappear. She assumed they came from her pole dancing hobby.

Casual mention changed everything

At a GP visit for a knee injury, Megan mentioned the bruising and tiredness. Her doctor ordered a blood test, and hours later she learned she had lymphoma or leukemia.

“I'd gone from just going to the GP for something completely different to being diagnosed with leukemia within days.”

Leukemia confirmed within days

A bone marrow biopsy confirmed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Megan had to start chemotherapy immediately because treatment couldn't be delayed.

“I felt fit and healthy. I was doing pole fitness, going out with my friends and just living my normal life.”

Two cycles brought remission

After two five-week rounds of chemotherapy, a bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of leukemia. Megan is in remission and won't need a stem cell transplant.

“I've still got quite a lot of treatment to go, but I'm in remission, which is obviously really good.”

Caught in an age gap

At 28, Megan feels too old for teenage cancer support but is one of the youngest on the hematology ward. She's found help through Leukaemia Care.

“I feel like I'm in a weird age bracket.”

Getting her life back

Megan has returned to her pole fitness studio for the first time since diagnosis and just got engaged after months of hospital appointments.

“I'd love to get back to pole fitness properly and get back to work.”

Why she's sharing her story

Megan is raising awareness during Blood Cancer Awareness Month. She only got diagnosed because coworkers encouraged her to mention symptoms at the GP.

“I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it if people at work hadn't said I should mention it while at the GP.”