Hi Guys

[Guest guest]

This is the fist time I have posted so here goes.

I was Diagnosed on the 9th of October 2008 with CML a date I will

never forget.

At Dianosis I was 113.512, WBC 50000 and was very aneamic with my haemoglobin

down at 8.2 when it should have been 13.0+.

On Spirit trial which is 800mg V 400mg I was randomised to 800mg

twice daily. Other meds Hydroxyurea 1st week + Alluprinol and 250mg Ferrous

Sulphate(Iron) 2 times per day indefinately

I had a breathless episode while I was on holiday and found it

difficult to walk 200 metres I had considered going to the hospital

but I have never been one for them. I decided that I would book an appointment

with my GP when I got home.

He believed that it was an asthama attack but gave me some

antibiotics just in case, and at the same time he noticed that

I was very pale and I did mention that I was feeling a little bit knackered, so

he ordered a blood test which came back with an

Ellevated WBC of 26000 which indicated a infection or so he thought.

He then said lets play it safe and give you an overhaul so that was

a CBC, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Xray and more, everthing came back ok apart from

my WBC which was 35000, what's going on I feel fine this started to worry me a

bit.

The haemotology department said we will do a BMB of course not being familiar

with that term I thought another blood test, but then when

they explained it to me my respons was you " want to do what " I hope I don't have

to do that again.

Then the call came can you come into the hospital to discuss your results first

thought Oh Crap! so in I went sat down my consultant

his words were it's bad news you have CML that was like being hit by a freight

train, but after what seemed to be an eternity he then said

the good news is it's treatable.

So the weekly visits began as you guys know waiting for the next

result is nerve wracking. On 9th January 2009 I had my first 3 month PCR test

and remebering the baseline was 113,512. My appointment was then set at six

weeks so on Tuesday of this week I went to the hospital

talk about aprehensive.

My consultant said as you remember you were 113,512 and the result from the PCR

which is done at the Hammersmith Hospital London is 1.183 not

being a PCR wiz I said is that good he said it's excellent you have achieved a 2

log reduction but he didn't mention CCR which is the next milestone.

I surfed the net looking for 2 log and PCR and came across a post from Zavie

, I sent my results to Zavie and asked him if this was CCR

and it was and Zavie has now offered to give me a membership to the zero club, I

find this unreal all in three months. Thank you Zavie for your help and advice.

I was lucky but I guess it shows 800mg has a profound effect but my triumph in

reaching CCR will only to me be a triumph when we all make it I will be offering

advice and support to all those who are newly diagnosed as many helped me.

Next stop 3 log reduction but I will still take every day as it comes

will post next results all the best

Mark