What began as a simple sore foot quickly escalated into a life-altering nightmare for Alice Rugari, a 36-year-old mother whose ordinary discomfort masked a terrifying reality.
The Melbourne-based recruitment manager initially dismissed her persistent foot pain as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, when the discomfort refused to subside and strange bruises began appearing across her body, she knew something was seriously wrong.
The Shocking Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Doctors delivered devastating news that would shake any family to its core: Alice was suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer that requires immediate, intensive treatment.
'I went from having a sore foot to being told I had cancer,' Alice revealed, reflecting on the whirlwind that turned her world upside down.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Separation
The diagnosis meant immediate separation from her two young children, Leo and Gigi, as Alice required specialised care at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The emotional toll of being away from her family during treatment has been one of the most challenging aspects of her journey.
'Not being able to see my kids has been absolutely heartbreaking,' she shared, highlighting the personal sacrifices cancer patients must endure.
Symptoms Everyone Should Recognise
Alice's experience serves as a crucial warning about leukaemia symptoms that are often overlooked:
- Unexplained and persistent bone or joint pain
- Unusual bruising without apparent cause
- Overwhelming fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Frequent infections and general unwellness
Her story underscores the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms persist, even if they seem minor initially.
The Road to Recovery
Currently undergoing chemotherapy, Alice faces an uncertain but hopeful future. Her family has rallied around her, with husband Rhys providing constant support while managing childcare responsibilities.
The medical team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre remains optimistic about her treatment response, though the road ahead remains challenging.
Alice's message to others is clear: 'Don't ignore persistent symptoms. Early detection can make all the difference in cancer treatment outcomes.'
