Success story for Aliza

[Guest guest]

Dear Aliza,

You are one of the success stories that I consider a gift to the rest of us

and an example of how important it is to get your information up front ASAP. I

know exactly where you are coming from, but I spent 4 years of my life in the

same type of limbo, of thinking that my death was around the corner. I planned

my funeral with my family and hairdresser and asked if she would prepare me. I

made an appointment just to talk to her about that and we hugged and cried

together while we planned my funeral. Tears come to my eyes as I think of all

the angst that I went through, that was a traumatic time. My family is no longer

counting my dog years, now they think I will live forever. LOL

At the time, there wasn't much information out there, so I am thankful that the

trial I was in at least kept me alive, but there was no one to give me hope.

Just think of a person who has to work at a job where they are required to fill

in forms and don't know how to read and write. I had to learn to read, so to

speak, a new language and gave myself permission to stand up for myself, I was

not going to be helpless, but helpful. The more questions I asked, the bolder I

became.

I think if we have achieved a modicum of success, we owe it to the others who

are waiting in the wings, to spread that around, to give them hope, too. The

saying, " You have come a long way, baby, " belongs to you, because you have done

that. No one deserves it more than you, my dear Aliza, for I know you fought

long and hard by yourself. No longer do you need to be a voice crying in the

desert.

Let's all hope that this will be a year of enlightenment for all of us, that new

research will emerge with good news. I think I speak for everyone who waited in

anticipation for Gleevec and when it finally was available, we all breathed a

sigh of relief. For some it only worked for a while, but it was a bridge to the

next drug, etc. For the majority, it is the greatest thing since the discovery

of penicillin. In essence, we all owe our lives to Gleevec, it was a gigantic

breakthrough. Without it, there would probably not be any TKI's, just more

Inteferon, ara-C and arsenic. When you think about it, say a silent prayer for

Dr. Druker, who had a dream - for all of us.

Blessings and sweet dreams,

Lottie

[Guest guest]

What a beautiful heartfelt tribute to all of you who have led this path ahead of

me. I strive to match your faith and courage.

Eva

From: Lottie Duthu

Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 5:49 PM

CML

Subject: [ ] Success story for Aliza

Dear Aliza,

You are one of the success stories that I consider a gift to the rest of us and

an example of how important it is to get your information up front ASAP. I know

exactly where you are coming from, but I spent 4 years of my life in the same

type of limbo, of thinking that my death was around the corner. I planned my

funeral with my family and hairdresser and asked if she would prepare me. I made

an appointment just to talk to her about that and we hugged and cried together

while we planned my funeral. Tears come to my eyes as I think of all the angst

that I went through, that was a traumatic time. My family is no longer counting

my dog years, now they think I will live forever. LOL

At the time, there wasn't much information out there, so I am thankful that the

trial I was in at least kept me alive, but there was no one to give me hope.

Just think of a person who has to work at a job where they are required to fill

in forms and don't know how to read and write. I had to learn to read, so to

speak, a new language and gave myself permission to stand up for myself, I was

not going to be helpless, but helpful. The more questions I asked, the bolder I

became.

I think if we have achieved a modicum of success, we owe it to the others who

are waiting in the wings, to spread that around, to give them hope, too. The

saying, " You have come a long way, baby, " belongs to you, because you have done

that. No one deserves it more than you, my dear Aliza, for I know you fought

long and hard by yourself. No longer do you need to be a voice crying in the

desert.

Let's all hope that this will be a year of enlightenment for all of us, that new

research will emerge with good news. I think I speak for everyone who waited in

anticipation for Gleevec and when it finally was available, we all breathed a

sigh of relief. For some it only worked for a while, but it was a bridge to the

next drug, etc. For the majority, it is the greatest thing since the discovery

of penicillin. In essence, we all owe our lives to Gleevec, it was a gigantic

breakthrough. Without it, there would probably not be any TKI's, just more

Inteferon, ara-C and arsenic. When you think about it, say a silent prayer for

Dr. Druker, who had a dream - for all of us.

Blessings and sweet dreams,

Lottie