Re: Quick Check In--

[Guest guest]

Hi there!

So happy to get an update from you. You're really pushing it. No one would

believe you have CML PLUS blood clots. Other than enjoying the learning

experience, what are your goals in grad school? I know I may have to wait a few

months for an answer!

I'm waiting results of a BMB/FISH/PCR combo from the same marrow to see if I get

in to the BMS Phase III trial here at town University next week. The last

results of about two months ago were 3% FISH and 20% marrow (4 positive out of

20 cells). Definite slippage after being in CCR since 2002. PCRs really are

baffling. My PCR has remained at 2% positive (a smidge more) throughout.

I'm still job searching and working half time at an HIV/AIDS Clinic where I've

applied for a permanent job.

Make sure to take time to go out and buy all those winter storm clothes before

you need them!

Best wishes,

L

[ ] Quick Check In

Hi all,

I am sorry that I don't keep in better touch with my CML friends. I

don't remember there being a day yet that I forget about having CML, but

I guess I'm just putting it on the back burner right now.

I started graduate school part time after Labor Day, and it's turning

out to be a big challenge while also working full time. I'm probably

spending about 15 to 18 hours a week on studying and homework, which is

typical for taking 6 credits (estimate 3 hours of work per credit per

week). Biostatistics is a tough one! But I like having those " ah-ha "

moments where something actually crosses the Gleevec-brain barrier. I do

find that I have to re-read my texts a lot and take my practice tests a

lot to remember things, which only adds to the workload.

I recently adopted a shelter dog again. Some of you may remember that I

had to euthanize my last dog last summer at age 14 and a half. This new

one is part lab perhaps mixed with greyhound, as she's got very long

legs (making her very tall) and an enormously deep chest. She's 70

pounds and underweight. She's a sweetheart but needs some work on

housetraining and separation anxiety!

I also continue to work with Team In Training. I am scheduled to head to

Phoenix in January for the marathon/half-marathon, but I'm not sure I

can get the time off to do that. Are any of you going out there for the

races? If so, that may be incentive for me to go.

As for CML, I guess I am doing OK. My last PCR test was positive and the

FISH was ever so slightly positive. But they re-ran the PCR and it was

negative the next time. I don't understand that. Any thoughts? So we've

just decided to watch and wait for now, with another bone marrow likely

in December or January and some bloods in the meantime.

I am still having some trouble in my leg from the DVT (blood clot) I had

in late May. But my breathing problems have essentially gone away in the

wake of the clots to my lungs. I have a host of new side effects to

contend with thanks to the addition of warfarin (Coumadin) to the

medication mix. I am a naughty patient and totally disregard my warfarin

diet, which means I need to just get my blood checked more often and my

meds adjusted more frequently. But it's less stress for me. :-)

I try to keep up with you all, but that damn continues to

periodically bounce me, which means I don't get the emails - and don't

realize it.

Anyway, I think of all you 'old-timers " frequently, and hello to the

newbies. One of these days, I hope to work on the Web site again, but

unfortunately it's too large for me to effectively maintain by myself

anymore, especially given my schedule. I'm sorry about that.

jennifer g.

www.cmlsupport.com