Cogan

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I shivered when I read that you were hospitalized with septicemia from your

HHT catheter. I had a central venous catheter in my chest for my HHT infusion

pump, which I hope I never have to experience again. My father died of sepsis

because of a negligent doctor and now the mere mention of the name still gives

me shivvers.

I met Bobby in Houston when we were in the same trial and I met a true

friend. She is a hoot and a lot of fun to be around. I think at the time you

all were in Oregon at the same time and never met is because you were not in a

group similiar to this one. We announce when we are going to have an

appointment and if anyone is going to be there, we try to meet. When we were in

the BMS trial, we had our own corner in the clinic and after being in the clinic

all day, we used to go out in the evening, anyone who wanted to join in. That

comradrie helped us to stay there for an extended length of time. I think Jerry

had to stay there for 7 months. I stayed for nearly 7 weeks and I think Bobby

stayed for 2 or 3 months. And she rented an apartment where there was a

swimming pool. LOL

Jimmy and I never pass up the opportunity to meet with any CML patient, even if

we have to drive out of our way, or vice versa. It's wonderful to meet someone

you have so much in common with. Sometimes I am the only person they have ever

met with CML. We met people from Houston and other places in Texas and as far

as Timbucktu. LOL We even run across people who are from our home town, but

not for CML. Patients who live close enough to a large research center are

lucky, but many travel long distances to see a specialist. Some take the red

eye flight and get in late, see the doctor the next day and fly out as soon as

their visits are up. They try to accomodate everyone who has to catch a flight.

I really had to push when I had to catch a shuttle to the airport. We all do

the best we can with whatever is available to us. It is a bonus, however, when

we get to meet someone we have been corresponding with.

Blessing,

Lottie