Hello
All,
Today marks my 5th
anniversary of diagnosis with CML. Much like today, I greeted that day
five years ago with anticipation of the day's celebration even though I was not
feeling well. A side trip to the hospital for a totally un-related event
led to a not so routine blood test where my world collided with cancer,
leukemia, and more specifically CML. In many ways, being diagnosed on
Thanksgiving was a blessing in disguise. I was reminded to be thankful and
grateful that although this diagnosis was probably inevitable (I had worked for
many years as a radiology/nuclear medicine sales rep) I had the good
fortune to find myself in good care at the McGill University Health Centre
here in Montreal (I am an American living in Canada) and with a top doctor
in Canada, Dr. Pierre Laneuville.
Much in my life has
changed, how could it not? In the early days, I thought I would not want
to be vocal about CML and life with cancer in general.
After loosing my job because of CML (small
time employers were worried about the cost of this drug and the impact on their
modest health care plan), the subsequent law suit (which not surprisingly I won,
but for me it wasn't about the money, it was about the principle) - well let's
just say it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind!
I started posting to
Rob's International CML list on my second anniversary of diagnosis and was a
steady member here up until the last big melt down in March. I continue to
read this list and offer support where I can, and I thank Rob for keeping
this legacy list, although it is somewhat fragmented, alive and
kicking. It saddens me that our community that was once so strong, has
become so fragmented. This list was where Suzan McNamara launched her
petition which helped many of us have faster access to Gleevec. This list
has been the place where the most CMLers have come to find information on trials
and new drug development. Welcome to the newcomers on this list and
long may you and we all post here - politics be dammed!
I hope you all
continue to enjoy this list and find time to peruse the archives. You will
see the how the miracle of new drug development has had a positive impact
on the quality of life while helping us all to live longer.
Today, while I have
recently gone back to work full time, I do whatever I can to help other CML
patients by organizing information sessions, helping people find doctors, access
to drugs and sometimes just hugging and handholding when times get tense.
So, while I do not post much I am still very active in this
community.
Stay tuned, in a
very short while there will be an announcement of the creation of an
organization totally dedicated to support, educate and advocate on the behalf of
all CML patients. It's been a lot of work but it has been lots of
fun!
Blessings and warm
wishes of peace love, gratitude and health - may we all be happy and
healthy!
Cheryl-Anne
New! Sign up for local CML support group meetings in your local community at http://cml.meetup.com
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