If I had a dime for all of those folks who said I should be thankful for a PV diagnosis versus “a more serious ” cancer, I’d be rich. Instead, I spent the first year wallowing in my grief over the loss of my 100% healthy me. As I grew accustomed to identifying myself as a blood cancer patient, I began to reassess and reevaluate who I was and why I should, indeed, be thankful.
- I have few symptoms. My diagnosis was out of the blue through a routine CBC.
- My support system reaches around the world with MPN groups and individuals always willing to help.
- My health care group isn’t always privy to the latest news so I bring it to them and they listen.
- I still have a job and although I pay for part of my health insurance, I am thankful to be insured.
- So much is happening in the MPN Community, I am thankful I have options in treatments and access to knowledgeable physicians-This is due to one-on-one access to the experts at educational programs. I paid nothing for registration (ask Ann Brazeau).
- I now believe I can manage this chronic disease and have taken charge of my condition.
I am thankful for all of the aforementioned and much more. Mostly, I’m thankful for being able to help others now when they are diagnosed. Help is a click, call or holler away!
Call-517-899-6889 or email abrazeau@mpnadvocacy.com
Nice list. I knew something wasn’t quite right with me about five years before I was diagnosed with ET at 61. I was tired and brain foggy, started having hot flashes at night–felt like I was going through the Change again. I ignored it because I didn’t have health insurance. After I signed up for Obamacare, I caught up on a variety of health issues, and that’s when the ET was diagnosed. In many ways I was relieved to have the diagnosis and know what was up. I am thankful Imdidn’t develop this until late in life. I am thankful for every day I don’t have to be on chemo, though I know that day will come. I am also thankful that this cancer moves slowly, and that I’ve had the chance to absorb and learn info about ET so I can make decisions about the care I want or don’t want before the next phase hits.