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  • Who We Are All Survivor Stories Sue

Sue

CML Survivor

Troutdale, OR

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It’s 2015 and I am doing my happy dance! It’s been 20 years since my bone marrow transplant for my chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and I am still here enjoying what life brings my way.

When I was first told that I had leukemia, I was overwhelmed with all types of emotions, but hope prevailed when I heard my doctor state, “Your only cure is a bone marrow transplant.” At that moment, the blinders went up and I went forward. Neither of my brothers were a match, so we turned to the National Bone Marrow Registry. First try, the system came up with 99 possibilities, with them narrowing down the search to four and then one. In 1995, a complete stranger donated his marrow and I had a second “birthday.”

The road to recovery has had some highs – getting to meet my donor a year after the transplant, having Dr. Brian Druker come into The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's First Connection meeting to talk about a study drug that was showing real possibilities. And, seeing a fellow member of First Connection become part of the study group and eventually to see the medication (Gleevec) approved. I have to admit, there have also been some bumps along the way from side effects of the transplant - cataracts, bone loss in my hip and a heart attack in 2010. However, all of these obstacles have been treatable – minor surgery for the cataracts, a stint for my heart and a hip replacement just last year. I will become that bionic woman yet!

Over the years, I have tried to give back, so through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program, I have completed four half marathons. I walk -- running is not a word in my vocabulary. I have seen first-hand how the money I have raised has helped to create new drugs. BUT, even as I reach this milestone in my life, I know that we still need to do more to wipe out blood-related cancers, so I have signed up again for a half marathon through the Team In Training program and have set my highest money goal yet. And, if I make that goal, I plan to shave my hair off – ALL of it! I have been bald once, why not do it again for such a great cause?

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

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