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Diagnosed One Year Ago At 22 - My First Post

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with CML in March last year at the age of 22, less than a week after proposing to my girlfriend. I had lost weight and was sometimes lethargic, both of which I put down to a change in lifestyle having just left Uni and headed into the world of adult work. I only realised that something was wrong after a series of large bruises sustained playing rugby for my local team. It's safe to say that, as a fit and active young man, the last thing I expected was to be told I had Leukaemia!

The last year has been a real blur and the treatment, love and support I have received from my doctors, friends and family has been unbelievable. If anybody is reading this having just been diagnosed with CML, please don't feel like you are alone or that you have no hope. The range of treatment is fantastic and you will be able to lead a normal life. I don't feel like an ill person and since beginning treatment with Imatinib I have got married, got a great new job, been skiing, resumed playing rugby, and helped raise over £7,000 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. I sometimes get tired and have slight leg aches, but overall I feel happier and healthier than ever. My results were down to 0.43 after a year and I am determined to reach the magical zero!

The main side effect of my Leukaemia has been to make me truly appreciate my life and grasp every opportunity to live it to the full. My wife and I are both closer as a couple and more content as individuals than I think we would have been if I had never been diagnosed. I have never felt closer to my friends and family and I'm a much more optimistic person than I ever used to be.

I know that I have probably responded to treatment better than some people, but I would urge anyone reading this to stay positive, keep smiling and refuse to feel sorry for yourself. CML treatment is nothing short of miraculous and getting better every day. Don't feel like an idiot for feeling upset or confused about your illness, and always find strength in the people and the things you love.

I have browsed the pages of this forum many times over the last year, and I really hope that someone reading this might take heart from my post in the same way that I have done on several occasions. I would be very interested to hear from others who are living with CML, particularly younger people as I often feel like the odd one out for being diagnosed at such a young age.

Thanks for reading, keep smiling and take care x

Hi Rob, welcome to this forum and thank you for posting such a sensitive and positive message. I too hope it will encourage others, especially those who have been newly diagnosed.
I am sure there are many members of this forum who are within your age group, there might be many more than you think. You are certainly not the 'odd one out'.
Remember that the median age at diagnosis is just that.... a median (not an average).....

Best wishes,
Sandy

Hey Rob,
I was diagnosed in March 2009 at 34 years old. At the time it felt really odd for me as there was nobody in my age group whenever i went to hospital. Three years on and i still don't see anyone under the age of 60 there.

You are so right about positivity being paramount. I'd been ill for three years before they diagnosed CML. When i was told i was just glad to know what i had. It didn't phase me in the slightest. That probably has something to do with my laid back attitude. I've always taken life as it comes. My gf calls it laziness. I think she could be right too!

I hit MMR after about 6 months and CMR about 8 months later. I've had 4 of the lovely bone marrow aspirations and have been lucky enough to avoid them for two years as my results have always been so good. I am due one in October as my consultant and I often joke about getting them done. I was having checkups every 4 months but that's just changed to every 6 as things are great. I was so happy about that. Sometimes it feels like you're always at hospital.

Great to hear you're doing so well by keeping active. That's one thing i need to work on. I used to be fit, but before getting diagnosed i was walking around like a zombie for three years with Labyrinthitis. My fitness regime went out of the window. I plan to get back into the swing of it this summer. I know keeping fit with really help with fatigue.

You sure did get married young. After 14 yrs with my gf, oops i mean fiance now i still haven't got around to the wedding thing. I think it may have happened sooner, but with everything going on it took a back seat. Great you had the support of your wife and it made your bond even stronger. It really makes all the difference having strong support.

I'm sure you'll hit that ZERO soon and come back to share the fabulous news with everyone.

All the best

Andy