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5 YEARS AND COUNTING

5 YEARS AND COUNTING.
Yes !!!! I received my latest PCR results yesterday and they still report those wonderful words - "BCR/ABL 9-22 not detectable"
Time surely flies as I cannot believe that I have now passed the 5 year mark in TFR (Treatment Free Remission)
I was a little aprehensive as we have changed Labs and now I am back to the Lab that I contributed blood samples to when they originally developed their RT QPCR test back at the end of 2004. We had no PCR testing here in South Africa prior to that and relied on Fish testing only.
So in a way I regard myself as a bit of a pioneer on the South African scene.
I am not sure of my facts but I have not heard of a CML patient here that has been off treatment for longer than I have (excluding BMT's )
One of my Haematologists' patients who was off TKI's, has just lost their "remission" at 18 months and has had to restart their drug regime.
I am not sure why I have been so blessed, but believe me I am very greatful for it, especially as my TFR has been without any side effects at all.
My wish that some day all CML patients will enjoy TFR.
Love to you all
Basil

Hi Basil,
Congratulations on your 5 years.
I get the results of my blood test in a couple of weeks, this will bring me up to six months off Gleevec. On the Australian trials, the last person to relapse was at 27 months cessation. http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/122/4/515.long

Hi Basil,
thanks for continuing to share your good news with us. 5 years in TFR is no mean feat! Well done, you experience is a beacon of hope to many.

Sandy

Thanks for the kind words Sandy. I still feel very loyal to this group as it was my first contact after being DX'ed in 2003. Wow I can't believe that time has passed me by so quickly.
Keep up your fabulous work Sandy. xxxx

Hi Gerry,
Well done on your achievement.
Why not also join our Facebook group of CML patients in TFR ( Treatment Free Remission)?

I'm just waiting on this lot of results - if it is another negative, I'll join the FB page as it will be officially six months. :-)