- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Interviews
Jo's interview
How did all start?
Years of general unwell. Tiredness. Run down. Constant infections . Constant dental issues including abscesses.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Taken to hospital for 3rd time with chest pains. (2 previous sent home with stress and anxiety dignosis)
Full blood count taken, CT scan, nuclear scan, several blood test. 3rd day in hospital spleen scan revealed spleen infarct leading to haemotology to diagnose. 8 years after first showing symptoms.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Chemotherapy twice.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Bad reactions to chemo.
Fevers and sepsis.
The constant waiting and wondering when it will return
Coping with tiredness.
Peoples assumptions.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Closer to family.
Social life disappeared.
What things have you stopped doing?
Physical activities.
Socialising
What do you think about the future?
Live to the fullest .
Live with the disease rather the wait to see from it
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Last 5 years.
Created bucket list.
Drove an articulated lorry.
Travelled.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Play sports.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Are .... I'll just get on with it and smile
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Use the support available even if you don't tho k you need it.
Don't hide it away, or it will leave you wanting to hide away.
