Having my say

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

I can't let Bobby and Ceil get ahead of me, can I? Yes we have all become

cyber buddies from day 1. Zazzy and I have " known " each other for some time, but

have never met her in person. She's the one you want to stay on the good side of

because she carries a ball and peen hammer. LOL. You quickly learn what kind of

folks we have here, they are caring and friendly. I have met Bobby in person

several times at MDACC, as we were in the same trial. What can I say about my

buddies, except that they love life and live to the fullest. I try to do the

same, but I am the elder of the group, or as Zavie put it, the oldest turtle.

LOL I am considered a turtle because I am a straggler, but remember that

turtles do finish. I will say again that I do admire anyone who can work with

CML. I especially admire women with small children and some who are divorced,

who find it easier to be divorced and free with CML than to be tied down in a

bad marriage. We all have our own burdens to carry, but it is certainly easier

if you have people around you who reach out and offer their support and advice.

Thank you all who make your personal contributions to the group and act as a

welcoming committee for all the newcomers. What a relief it was for me to find

someone who could CML speak. Life, I learned, does not end with CML, it's just

the first chapter of a new book. Take care of yourself by learning as much as

you can, and asking questions of your peer group and especially your doctor.

The more you know, the better treatment you will have. If you don't ask

questions, the doctor might assume you don't want to know. Believe me there are

people who don't want to know. YOu deserve the best, so demand it from the

medical profession and set the bar high for yourself. If I had not developed

CML, I don't know when or if I would have gone online. I used my computer to

write letters and keep records for the volunteer work I was involved in and I

thought that was all I would use it for. Fate intervened and here I am writing

to hundreds of people I have never met. I look forward to meeting as many as I

can. We used to post on the other group when we had an appointment and many

times, someone else had an appointment at the same time. I go to MDACC in

Houston for treatment and I will be going April 8, so if anyone is going,

contact me. If anyone plans on going there for a consult or regular treatment,

contact me and I have the names and addresses of people and places where you can

stay.

Good luck to all of you and happy karma,

Lottie