Hope for others

[Pat1954]

Having just joined CLLSA, my husband has CLL. I notice that most people have only been diagnosed in the last 4 to 5 years. My husband was diagnosed in 2000, so CLL has been a part of our life for 17 years. In September we celebrated 40 years of marriage. Due to CLL we could not have the holiday we wanted, but had a wonderful day out and a few days later a wonderful family meal. We have been through watch and wait and various treatments. Not all successful, but we are still fighting. He has started Ventoclax, and touch wood things are going well so far. We have always fought things together, but always give each other the space to come to terms with what we have been told. Then we discuss how we feel about it, what can we do about it. We always come back to the same conclusion we take one day at a time deal with what ever crops up. Then move onto the next day. We also go by the Chinese saying knock me down seven times, I will get up eight times. To all we wish you good luck for the future and that the treatment you try will work for you.

[Spacee]

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It sounds like your hubby has made it to a time when the meds that are available are more successful in producing a “deep” remission. So, happy for you!!

Just diagnosed this year. Looking at Venetoclax when the time comes for hubby.

Linda

[UK-Sparky]

Welcome Pat, good to hear your story and how long you and your hubby have lived with CLL. Hope you both continue to enjoy life and benefit from the new treatments that are emerging

Milton Keynes Marc

[ap64]

Welcome. Probably not much for you to learn here after 17 years but you may find it comforting and/ or supportive to share the CLL journey with us.

[Mick5329]

Dear Pat1954

Having just read your post I felt I had to say a big thank you for sharing you and your husbands journey with CLL. I was diagnosed in 2010 and started treatment shortly afterwards and am currently going through my second treatment having relapsed in 2016. Reading your post is very encouraging and I thank you again for sharing.

M

[Fannynorthy]

Similar story to you. Diagnosed 19 years ago and had 2 rounds of treatment. One step forward and 3 back all the time, difficult sometimes to deal with the backward Ines but he is still here. Salute your positivity

[Newdawn Administrator]

A heartwarming and inspirational story Pat which will give hope to so many of us. Together you obviously make a highly formidable team and long may your combined support and strength keep CLL under control.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[BettinaB]

I also wanted to thank you for sharing your story. My husband was diagnosed this year and I hope we will make as formidable team in our CLL journey as you two obviously are. Wishing you all the best!

[annmcgowan]

Thank you for your story Pat. I love your attitude to CLL and how you both manage it individually and together. No wonder you have reached 40th years of marriage. Congratulations on both. Nice to hear from you. Good luck for the future.

Regards

Ann

[Txkate]

Big props to both of you and how you are handling the ups and downs of CLL for such a long time. My husband and I just celebrated 42 yrs in Sept. and the year prior to my diagnosis he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He had it removed successfully at MDAnderson and a year later almost to the day we were there for me. He turned to me and said, that is why I had Prostate Cancer, so we could find this place for you! I know they say it takes a village but for the in’s and out’s of a cancer type like CLL, it takes emotional support as much as physical fortitude and someone willing to go the long haul. We are blessed that way for sure! When my first Onco said, good news-it’s not Diffused, bad news it’s incurrable! 7 years later, happily still on W&W! Congrats to you and yours!