To months ago I have revived a phone call that change my life . I am 45 years old and I have 4 kids and a wonderful husband My kids 24,21,8,and 6. My worries are no different from any body else with CML. How long will I live with this disease? And many other questions. My mother told me that if one in the family have cancer the rest of the family feel like they do to, and of course that make me feel so bad. Im taking Gleevec and I have many side effects I do get tired and my 6 years old little princess ask me why I don't laught again. I pretend all the time that I'm fine, but my head is always thinking how long will I live? I have to do this and I have to do that. And what about if I don't do this or that. ?????? Always thinking I'm dying son.
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Hello and welcome to the club that no-one wanted to join.
No-one can answer that question but I can tell you that I was diagnosed 22 years ago when I was 43 years of age and I have a wonderful life.
I was diagnosed in the "olden days" when treatment options weren't so good but I well know that IF you're going to have to be forced to have a cancer then this one is one of the better ones in so far as there's been huge advances made with regard to knowledge and treatment and life expectency is about as good as it gets. I've been on imatanib since clinical trial and for just over 15 years. I was and am still also very physically active. I'm a horse trainer and a horse riding instructor. Was when I was diagnosed and still am now. I've seen both my daughters married and 4 grandchildren born and grow up and with the eldest one just having signed a contract to be a professional footballer when he leaves school this year. I'm going over to see my youngest grandson later today and to take his 11th birthday present.
I could of course fall off a horse and die or be struck by lightening tomorrow and so could you. But in the meantime I'm darned determined that I'm never going to let this illness shape my day to day life nor allow it to control and rule everything I do. I don't want negative rubbish to mess up my life so I don't allow it. I'm a huge believer that "attitude is infectious". I also think you can think yourself well or ill. Those are the reasons I don't even like to read what side effects I'm "supposed" or likely to have. Got to say I did cut out negative moaning minnies from my life and I determined not to put up with crap!
Frankly I wouldn't say I'm not frightened of dying but I sure as hell know I'm not frightened of living. You're talking about having things to do, well do them. What's stopping you? I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't.
You'll be going through a whole cycle of emotions just now but keep calm, breathe deeply and carry on. You might find it helpful to have a good read through the information here and particularly at some of the posts where there's other new "club members". If there's anything you want to know then just ask away. There'll be someone here can guide you to information or to what they found helpful.