Anniversary Date - 5-5-02

[Guest guest]

Hello All,

Each year this time rolls around and my mind goes back to the day of

diagnosis – 5-5-2002. I had buried mom the previous November with

complications from CLL. At the same time, I was suffering from

bone pain, extreme fatigue and night sweats and I just chalked it up

to menopause and the death of a parent.

There are few moments that will stick in someone's mind like a

diagnosis. And usually they are happy times, times of wedding vows

and births. This was not a joyous occasion but one that has changed

my life forever – and for the good.

In the short 6 years tomorrow that I have had CML, it has gone from

a fatal disease to a chronic condition. Oh don't get me wrong, it

has the power to take your life, but the medical studies and the

treatments available for it are multiplying like rabbits. What was a

3-5 year survival rate at diagnosis is now something that can be

treated and managed for a good number of years. Life expectancy for

those of us lucky enough to reach remission and PCRU (undetectable)

has as little as a 3% chance of relapse. Those are pretty good

odds. I have always had a streak of luck in me.

The drug treatment will be a life long thing. I have had to switch

from Gleevec to a new drug: tasigna. There is no cure right now but

they are working on one as well as a vaccine for leukemia. Wonders

never cease. God is so good.

Each year at this time, I take stock of my life…. And especially the

last 6 years. Here are some things that seem different for me:

I no longer swear at the cars that cut me off. In fact, I let folks

in.

I remember to say I am sorry a lot easier.

I tell my kids I love them every single day. Bill too.

I took up gardening and plants. Caring for them somehow helps me to

care for myself.

I began to pray to, think about, and try to be with the angels.

I spend quality time in both private and community prayer

I found a job that absolutely lets me make a difference in my world

and that of others – a sheer joy to my heart!

I take at least two days off of wearing makeup now, because my skin

needs a rest and it doesn't seem as important to me to have my face

look perfect – I discovered my family loves me anyway!

I make sure my grand baby gets plenty of loving every possible time

I can get my hands on her!

I make time to see more movies with Bill, sit at the fire pit on

cool nights and talk and hold his hand more…

Recently I made a bucket list and am busy checking things off…(

rode in a NASCAR at 165 MPH April 5!!!) and Ireland will see me in

July of 2009. The list is growing…..

And finally, I find that people, who have come into my life, are

there for a purpose.

My point is this: I want to say thank you – to all the people in my

life who have held my hand, prayed for me (the ONLY reason I am in

remission) and given me support and love during these past 6 years.

The diagnosis identifies your friends and defuses your enemies. It

also brings people who want good for you into your life. It tells

you not to sweat the `small stuff' and to make the time for really

intentional living.

Blessings to all you CML warriors......

Barb in AZ