59 year old female

[Lovinglife11]

Diagnosed with ALL in 2011, really had a tough time for a few years but now enjoying life and loving my family. My health is generally good but still get tired easily and take a little longer than most to recover from minor illnesses. That I can cope with and just glad to still be here.

[2003UK Champion]

Hi Lovinglife, thanking you so much for your post, I think it is weird that I sometimes have to go through really rough times to really appreciate the life I have. Take care of yourself.

[NicoleLeukaemiaCare Administrator]

Lovely to see you've joined this group - we hope you'll find it useful!

[Madmin1]

Hi I too had ALL back in sept 2012 still having regular checkups as had a relapse in sept 2013 so had 2 doses of infusions and got the all clear by the end of Dec 13 now suffering with nerve damage due to the intensive chemo and radiotherapy and loss of memory at times, but I too am glad I'm still here and enjoying life

Did you too suffer any long term effects from treatment

[Lovinglife11 in reply to Madmin1]

I to got the all clear but not until Dec 2014, it was a long old road and at times didn’t think I’d make it! Generally I’m ok but do have a few minor issues with my blood, get tired easily and have problems with my feet, not sure if it’s nerve damage! Still having 6monthly check ups which I am truly grateful for. Glad you too are enjoying life

[Topteam in reply to Lovinglife11]

Hi, I was diagnosed with acute maeloid Lukemia in April 2017 I am now 8 months since my stem cell transplant its been a long long road but am feeling stronger daily,

[Lovinglife11 in reply to Topteam]

So glad you’re feeling stronger every day! It is a long tough road! I found staying positive and doing as much as I possibly could but at times even walking a few steps was hard. I also kept a journal of my treatment, feelings and thoughts and now reading it back think did I really go through all that, it made me stronger to see what I had overcome. Continue to get stronger and stay positive.

[Topteam in reply to Lovinglife11]

Delighted for you keep up the good work you've got this, my breathless is not so bad today, even took a walk up the shops this morning, feeling more confident now,!!

[Madmin1 in reply to Lovinglife11]

Check out peripheral neuropathy condition that's the professional name for nerve damage my feet are very painful especially in the winter with pins and needles sensation in the toes with a numb but pain feeling in the ball of foot area I was informed by my doctor that in time it will get worse and will affect the hands too

[Christiana_]

Tip:

For sore/weird nerve pain in feet and hands (as described above) I’ve discovered keeping the extrematies warm is absolutely essential in the winter. I know it sounds weird but super warm socks (cashmere/ other, if it’s not unaffordable) but definately doubling up and good boot slippers indoors. I’ve discovered silk liners for regular gloves in the winter a life saver (seriously, pain for me is bad and I can get crabby with it). I’ve also been known to wear gloves indoors some days. It really helps me - worth a try! You can buy the silk liners much cheaper than you’d think on eBay! Someone has also recommended lambs wool inners for winter shoes... I’ve not gone that far, but never say never, perhaps for wellies?!

I also get the peripheral neuropathy a bit in the summer too (socks and on odd occasions gloves) but I have found the symptoms have improved slightly over time. I’m not expecting them to disappear though.

My diagnosis was 2013. I’m now 42. It’s great to hear so many “living stories”. Positivity, finding things to look forward to and realistic challenges are all very helpful to me!

[Lovinglife11 in reply to Christiana_]

Great advice all worth a try. I feel the cold terribly even when it’s warm sometimes!

[Christiana_ in reply to Lovinglife11]

Silk scarfs also really great for me cos they work throughout the year. Don’t have to pay a fortune, ie TKMaxx

Take care and keep enjoying life... it’s worth the effort (most of the time) 😉!

[Lovinglife11 in reply to Christiana_]

You take care too. It sure is worth the effort.

[Paul_Cabban Champion]

Coconut butter will help the discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy. I have had PN since chemo.(Velcade) in 2012. Greatest problem is balance which is said to be due to PN in feet. But I am also 76 so feel entitled to wobble a bit!

[Paul_Cabban Champion]

I should have said I have Myeloma, First diagnosed in 1999.

[Lovinglife11]

You certainly are allowed a wobble! Coconut butter is a good allround healer will definitely give it a go. My balance is bad too.