Interferon Poem

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I saw R's post about the 'good old day's prior to

Gleevec. I recall a hysterical poem that someone wrote about

Interferon. Does anyone recall it - or have a copy they can

post? I would love to frame that poem for posterity! : - )

I was on Interferon for almost 18 months. While it was not

pleasant, I have only positive things to say about interferon as I

was able to get to CCR within one year. I vividly remember the

first day I got my first shot of interferon and Ara-C. I was told

to go home and in a few hours I would probably feel the side

effects. I had little idea of what I would exactly feel . . . so we

stopped off at a local restaurant for Quiche and Salad. That was

probably my last normal meal for MONTHS unbeknownst to me. When

I got home from the restaurant, I put on my sweats and sat down on

the sofa thinking 'Gee, this isn't too bad' 'Nothing has happened

yet'. Well an hour later, I remember my teeth starting to

chatter . . . my temp was high and I was in Shake and Bake mode

(Shaking/fever/chills). It was not easy BUT the oncologist told me

if I could tough it out, the side effects would get somewhat

better. He was right. I never felt perfect but I was able to

function - returned to work and life in general. After 18 months,

I developed retinopathy in one eye and had no choice but to switch

to Gleevec. I am blessed it was available when I needed it.

For all those old timers (5 / 6 years ago or longer) - you all

continue to amaze me with your strength. Your support throughout

the times I was on IFN was wonderful. Thank you dear friends!

Hugs, Barb

PS - If anyone has that Interferon poem, can you post it?

[Guest guest]

Oh geez, Barb. I'm astounded by your toughness and resiliency. Hats off!

>From: " bheathcote201 " <bheath@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] Interferon Poem

>Date: Sat, 12 May 2007 00:38:03 -0000

>

>Hi all. I saw R's post about the 'good old day's prior to

>Gleevec. I recall a hysterical poem that someone wrote about

>Interferon. Does anyone recall it - or have a copy they can

>post? I would love to frame that poem for posterity! : - )

>

>I was on Interferon for almost 18 months. While it was not

>pleasant, I have only positive things to say about interferon as I

>was able to get to CCR within one year. I vividly remember the

>first day I got my first shot of interferon and Ara-C. I was told

>to go home and in a few hours I would probably feel the side

>effects. I had little idea of what I would exactly feel . . . so we

>stopped off at a local restaurant for Quiche and Salad. That was

>probably my last normal meal for MONTHS unbeknownst to me. When

>I got home from the restaurant, I put on my sweats and sat down on

>the sofa thinking 'Gee, this isn't too bad' 'Nothing has happened

>yet'. Well an hour later, I remember my teeth starting to

>chatter . . . my temp was high and I was in Shake and Bake mode

>(Shaking/fever/chills). It was not easy BUT the oncologist told me

>if I could tough it out, the side effects would get somewhat

>better. He was right. I never felt perfect but I was able to

>function - returned to work and life in general. After 18 months,

>I developed retinopathy in one eye and had no choice but to switch

>to Gleevec. I am blessed it was available when I needed it.

>

>For all those old timers (5 / 6 years ago or longer) - you all

>continue to amaze me with your strength. Your support throughout

>the times I was on IFN was wonderful. Thank you dear friends!

>

>Hugs, Barb

>

>PS - If anyone has that Interferon poem, can you post it?

>

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