The 28th of March this year marked the tenth anniversary of being diagnosed with CML. As it turned out the timing was perfect. Jerry's web site and this one had just started, providing a fund of information, help and inspiration in those early days. Then of-cause there was the first UK trial of Glivec (then STI571) which I fortunately managed to be part of and I have now been CML undetectable for the last 3 years. Another coincidence was that a few days ago I heard on the radio a reading of a poem by Raymond Carver. I felt an immediate empathy with the verses.
I have changed a few of the words to reflect my own feelings.
But before I quote the poem, I must give a heartfelt thanks to the Haematologists, Researchers, Web Sites (especially this one) and the Loved Ones who have made this celebration possible.
Richard Wilday
My version of the poem 'Gravy' by Raymond Carver (1938-1988):
No other word will do. For that's what it is.Gravy.
Gravy, these past ten years.
Alive, Joyful, working, loving, and
being loved by a good woman. Ten years
ago I was told I had six months to live
at the rate my CML was going. And I was going
nowhere but down. So I changed my ways
somehow. I found Glivec! And the rest?
After that it was all gravy, every minute
of it, up to and including when I was told about,
the NICE decision, well, some unfair things
are worth fighting for. "Don't weep for me,"
I said to my friends. "I'm a lucky man.
I've had ten years longer than I or anyone
expected. Pure Gravy. And don't forget it."