Returning to Work After Blood Cancer

May 15, 2026, 15:48
AsiaHealth

Introduction

This report is about two people with a blood cancer called AML. It looks at how they got better and went back to their jobs.

Main Body

Ayley and Jamin both had AML. At first, they felt sick, but the doctors did not know why. Then, they had strong medicine and bone marrow transplants to get well. Jamin felt very tired after the medicine. He talked to doctors and counselors from the Singapore Cancer Society. This helped him feel better in his mind and body. Jamin's school helped him. He did not teach in a classroom. Instead, he gave advice to students. Ayley got sick again in 2025, so she needed more help. Now, both want to help other sick people in their jobs.

Conclusion

Both people are better now. They are returning to work because of medicine and help from their schools.

Learning

The 'Change' Pattern

Look at how the story moves from Bad →\rightarrow Good. To reach A2, you need to show a change in a person's life using simple words.

The Pattern:

  • At first →\rightarrow [Problem] →\rightarrow Then/Now →\rightarrow [Result]

Examples from the text:

  • At first: "they felt sick" →\rightarrow Now: "both are better"
  • At first: "very tired" →\rightarrow Now: "returning to work"

Useful A2 Words for Change:

  • At first: Use this to start a story about a problem.
  • Instead: Use this when a plan changes (e.g., He did not teach... instead, he gave advice).
  • Now: Use this to show the current situation.

Vocabulary Learning

blood (n.)
the liquid that circulates in the veins and arteries of humans and animals
Example:The doctor checked the patient's blood for any signs of infection.
cancer (n.)
a disease in which abnormal cells grow and spread
Example:She was diagnosed with cancer after the scans.
doctor (n.)
a person who is trained to treat illnesses
Example:The doctor advised her to rest.
medicine (n.)
a substance used to treat or cure a disease
Example:He took his medicine every morning.
sick (adj.)
not feeling well
Example:She felt sick after the long flight.
tired (adj.)
feeling a need to rest
Example:He was tired after the long meeting.
help (v.)
to give assistance
Example:She will help you with the project.
school (n.)
a place where people learn
Example:The school will open at 8 a.m.
student (n.)
a person who is learning at a school
Example:The student asked a question.
job (n.)
a paid work
Example:He found a new job in the city.
work (v.)
to do a job
Example:She will work from home tomorrow.
back (adv.)
in the previous position or place
Example:She went back to her old job.
better (adj.)
in a more improved state
Example:He feels better after the treatment.
need (v.)
to require something
Example:I need a cup of coffee.
strong (adj.)
having great power or force
Example:The strong wind blew the leaves.
mind (n.)
the part of a person that thinks
Example:He kept his mind on the task.
body (n.)
the physical part of a person
Example:She exercised to keep her body healthy.
advice (n.)
information or suggestion
Example:He gave me useful advice.
classroom (n.)
a room where lessons are taught
Example:The classroom was full of students.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:Many people attended the event.