Happy Thanksgiving and a celebration of my 5th anniversary of Diagnosis

November 24, 2005

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!

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

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