12 replies to this topic

[CallMeLucky]

This week marks five years post cml diagnosis. It's been tough at times but overall I know how lucky I am. Five years ago I did not know how much longer I would live, today I still don't know as none of us really do but I feel good that cml should not be the cause of my demise anytime soon.
I've gone through the ups and downs, the panic, fear, and the joy of good results. I switched drugs when I felt my quality of life wasn't good enough on first drug. I played with dose and got my hand slapped for it. Today I am PCRU and side effects are very manageable; some have gone away and others I've learned to live with.
In the last five years I've accomplished a lot; I got my MBA, I co-authored a book, I switched jobs, I've travelled to Europe, I've been to Disney a couple of times with kids and taken a few other vacations. I've had some health scares, lost some loved ones, spent a week in hospital with pneumonia, and switched oncs when I realized my first one wasn't a good fit for me in the long term.
I think I'm a different person than I would have been had I not gotten this illness. I'm certainly not happy I got it but I think I have learned things along the way and come away with some positives despite the big negative. I've made some friends I never would have had, I've learned to be more empathetic towards others. I have times when I have heavy anxiety but I don't get upset about small stuff anymore. I may worry a bit more but I am much less angry.
A lot of this is just maturity, today I am 42, I was diagnosed at 37.
Each day my kids get older and I feel good about that. I am living my life in spite of my illness and I've managed to have some good times along the way.
I recognize that without the miracle of TKI drugs I would likely be gone at this point so going forward is truly a gift. I am forever grateful to doctors like Dr Druker who have made it possible to live with this disease.
It's not a perfect life, but it's the one I've been given and in the aggregate I am fortunate. So I will press on and look forward to making the most of the years ahead of me.

Thank you all for being there with me on this trip, you've made it much more bearable and I appreciate all of you.

Much love to all
Lucky!

[hannibellemo]

Congratulations, Lucky! And, thanks for the bits of wisdom. It's always good to take stock of where we could be and realize how fortunate we are to be where we are today.

[Leuk and Duke]

Lucky, thanks for posting. As a 37 year old recently diagnosed and going through some doubts it was great to read.

[alexamay09]

Congratulations Lucky - good to read a summary of your ups and downs.  You have achieved loads too!

 

Alex

[simone4]

Lucky, thanks for sharing those thoughts. I'm so glad you
have been here for me when I needed to be grounded.
You speak from your heart and I know that makes you
an even better father and husband.
Best wishes.
Simone

[Dona_B]

Congrats on the 5 years and not letting CML slow you down.

[Tedsey]

Glad you are still here Lucky.  Long life to you. 

 

Teds

[Marnie]

Congrats.  It really is amazing to look inside and realize how one has changed.  It's been a pleasure getting to "know" you these past few years. 

 

Marnie

[BklynCML]

I totally get where you're coming from. I have many of the same feelings. Congrats on hitting the 5-year mark; I'm impressed with all you've managed to accomplish.

Beth

[SUE]

Congratulations, Lucky.  You embody the definition of living fully, despite cml..

 

Sue

[MACELPatient]

Congrats on hitting the 5yr mark!

[Buzzm1]

Here's to 5 more!

 

Buzz

[rcase13]

Not to be greedy but I say 10 years!!!