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Surviving CML

Today's date is one that will always remain as significant to me. I was diagnosed with Ph+ CML on December 4th 1998. 15 years ago and I am finding it very difficult to get to grips with where that time has gone! A lot of things had to happen to get me to this point and I am grateful to a few very significant people who helped me overcome what was then, for me, a very bleak prognosis.
I am sharing my personal experience on this forum in the hope that it will encourage those who are only just starting, or have only recently started, TKI therapy. Although I eventually had to 'submit' to a stem cell transplant, imatinib undoubtedly saved my life, both before and (as part of the transplant protocol) after. I am fortunate and I am grateful for the support and kindness of all those who were willing to share their knowledge to help me survive. I am particularly grateful to my younger brother who unselfishly donated his stem cells, and without whom I would not have the fully functioning immune system I have today.
It has not been easy, but TKI therapy represents the huge potential that biomedical science has to offer, and I hope that we continue to see the support of this kind of research and development so that many more people can benefit.
This website and its forum members support many people across the world (currently we have somewhere in the region of over 6000 individual visitors per month). So I would like to take time to thank all those members who do make time to answer the postings on this forum and who are generous in helping others.

Sandy

Congratulations on reaching this 15 year milestone. You were certainly a pioneer and I'm sure we all thank you for starting this site which has provided such emotional comfort and a huge amount of information all in one place to help fellow sufferers.

Well done and thank you, Sandy,
Best wishes to all
Chrissiex

That is an amazing achievement and i know that we are all glad you came through the transplant and that we have this resource. On a personal note i know how much you have helped me and i feel privileged to know you as a friend.
K

I would just like to add my congratulations and thanks for the wonderful work you do on this site, it has helped so many of us to come to terms with our common experience. Keep up the good work, and have a wonderful Christmas.

Olivia

Sandy,

Congratulations on making 15 years and everything you have achieved both personally and with the wider campaigning and awareness for CML. 15 years is a tremendous achievement and here's to the next 15 and beyond!!

Regards

Chris

Really happy for you.

Don't often post these days, but I still read quite regularly. Thank you for all the hard work that you've put in over the years. This site helps people understand what the illness is all about - and that understanding gives reassurance and trust.

I have a special CML anniversary early next year. However, we must not forget those people who haven't been as lucky as us.

Thanks again.

Hi Sandy,
I've not logged in for a while and just catching up on the posts. Many congratulations on hitting the 15 year mark. It's a real milestone and I'm sure you raised the odd glass over the last few weeks.
Thanks for all the good work you do on this site. We found it so re-assuring when I was first diagnosed in August 2010. It really eased all our concerns and fears which are natural at a very emotional time.

Some good news is that I have been given a career break and will be living out in Australia for 6 months from April where our son and family live. There is no way I could ever have imagined this happening in 2010.

Thanks again.

Dave Marsland