Third anniversary

[Guest guest]

It will be three years on Tuesday when I learned that I had CML, a cancer that I

knew nothing about. I was fortunate as I had no symptoms and my CML was

diagnosed when I was having final blood tests before undergoing surgery to

donate a kidney to my husband who was in renal failure. I will never forget how

I felt when I was told. We were meeting for the final time with the transplant

surgeon and he came in and told my husband and me that there was a problem. I

can remember thinking what more is wrong with Ray and then heard that I had

95,000 white blood cells. I didn't know what that meant and just told him to

fix it so we could go on with the transplant. Instead I was refered to

hemotologist/oncologist who was wonderful.

Life has a way of working out. If I hadn't been donating a kidney, I would have

been much sicker before I was diagnosed. Within 3 months, I was in molecular

remission where I have remained. My husband began dialysis and 4 months later

our 20 year old adopted son donated a kidney to his dad. Both are of them are

doing fantastic.

I have learned not to take life for granted. I have learned that I am lucky as

I am able to continue to work as a CPA although there are challenges. I mainly

suffer from fatigue and stomach issues. Tax season is tough as we are working 7

days a week, but I have learned to know my limitations. I don't think the

people I work with understand that when I " hit my wall " , I have to quit and go

home and go to bed. I do it anyway. My insurance company has had its moments

of not understanding why I am taking a medication that costs so much and why I

can't take something that is cheaper, but so far they have come through after

some prodding.

Throughout all of this, I have learned so much from this group. I appreciate

all of the information. I am a lurker, but feel like I know so many of you.

Thank you for letting me be part of the group and helping me deal with my CML.

Jill