A Slight Change of Plans Part 1: Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad
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Apr 22, 2024 
Suleika Jaouad shares her inspiring journey battling leukemia at 22, discussing survival as a creative act, challenging illness narratives, and the messy space between illness and wellness. Embracing fulfillment amidst adversity, exploring gut health benefits, vulnerability through writing, and navigating life post-cancer are key topics.
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Suleika's Early Ambitions
- Suleika Jaouad, at 22, had ambitious plans, including becoming a war correspondent.
- She took a paralegal job in Paris as a stepping stone, feeling she had ample time to discover her path.
Misdiagnosis and Leukemia Diagnosis
- Suleika experienced worsening health issues in Paris, including itching, fatigue, and infections, but doctors dismissed her concerns.
- After a prolonged period of misdiagnosis, she was eventually diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia at 22.
Shifting Expectations and Clinical Trial
- Initially, Suleika believed her hospital stay would be short, focusing on reading and writing.
- However, she learned her leukemia was aggressive, requiring a clinical trial, shattering her initial optimism.