It was my 7 year anniversary on 29th April of diagnosis with CML. Like most others at that time I was given the 4-6 years prognosis, so as I often remark, I am now well past my "sell-by date". But what is remarkable is that I still haven't taken Glivec or relapsed after 14 months Glivec free. Life is pretty well back to normal. I am due a PCR in HH on 10th, 4 months gap nowadays. My local hospital only sees me every 6 months as they only prescribed the Glivec anyway. There was a slight glitch with the last PCR as HH have changed their testing methods in an attempt to standardise the testing internationally, but they were not concerned at all. Reading the paperwork I have no reason not to presume that this PCRU will continue for quite a long time - we will have to wait and see . I was on interferon initially for 2 months, but like many others could not tolerate it. Although I hated it at the time, I wonder if that has been a godsend. So despite my initial outlook in 2003, life is pretty good although CML still lurks around the corner with every bruise, spell of overtiredness etc, I am getting more and more confident as time goes on. Good luck anybody else who wants to take this step, it is not an easy decision but for me I believe it was the right one. Lets hope I still believe that in another 12 months!!!
Happy Holiday to you all. and many of them.
However,
