Hi everyone,
As I sat this evening with the family I began to wonder just how far I will manage to get from that dreadful day of diagnosis. So far 7 years feels like a pretty good milestone to reach.
On Sept 6th 2001 I saw a hematologist for the first time, and had my first bone marrow biopsy - I will always remember that day I was given the news that I might have leukeamia. It wasn't until 5 days later I found out I had CML. Sept 11th 2001. What a day to discover my world was about to fall apart.
Well here I am 7 long, fruitful and wonderful years later. That previous life of mine is gone forever and I live a new and fantastic one everyday.
Each morning I wake thanking all the CML experts, all the friends and helpers I have met through the internet, all the doctors and staff at the hospital, and my wonderful family who have walked this road with me.
It's been a bummy ride and sometimes I have hit the depression button, other times the 'head in the sand' switch but mostly it's been a journey of discovery and exploration.
New treatments and trials, the possibility of cure seem possible in the future. This is such a different senario to that of 2001. Then the prognosis was terrifying, and seemed to be a certain death sentence. Now there are treatments that work and keep us CMLers in a fair state of health for the main.
I am on Tasigna now, after 5 and a half years on Gleevec. My results are not the wonderful wished for zero, but I get close, 2 log reduction not 3. Zero appeared twice, but disappeared again just as quickly as it arrived. Side effects on Gleevec got worst over time, and I switched drugs early this year. Tasigna seems to suit me and I feel really well on it, the dreadful edema I had on Gleevec is gone, and the pain levels are far less. And 'gleevec botty' is GONE - wonders.
So celebrate with me as I begin the next stage of this long and interesting journey.
Healing thoughts for all
Pennie.
