Tonya’s Story

Site created on March 28, 2018

On January 26, 2017, I left my unit as a pediatric oncology nurse and became an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) fighter. After induction chemotherapy and a month long stay inpatient, I received the wonderful news that I was in remission (3/3/2017) and would need to complete HiDac chemo and recover before returning to the job that I loved. I finished chemo and rang that bell on July 15, 2017.  On January 8, 2018, I made my triumphant return to my beloved job as a pediatric nurse, feeling healthy and determined to stay that way. As we followed my lab values carefully, my physician and I noted that my platelets had begun falling, but as all my other levels remained steady, and there were no blasts (or leukemia) cells in my blood, we remained vigilant to watch and wait. Then came 3/25/2018, while at work I noticed a lymph node on my clavicle was swollen, something that I knew could mean many things, yet it made me hyperaware of what it could mean. Only one week after being told that all looked well, but we needed to watch my levels, I was brought in for a redraw of labs that would determine that I had leukemia cells in my blood, and thus had relapsed or had some other form of blood cancer. And my world came crashing in on me...again.

Newest Update

Transplant Day +3

Journal entry by Tonya Snodgrass —

The last couple of days have been rough. Lots of fevers, nausea, and vomiting, but things seem to be looking up.

Post-transplant chemo starts today to kill of mom’s t-cells, which the doctors are attributing all of the difficulties we have been having the last couple of days.

Things will get better, must get better, my journey’s not over yet.
Read More of the journal titled "Transplant Day +3"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Tonya Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Tonya's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Tonya

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top