Hi everyone
I thought I would just update you on my continuing involuntary TFR (treatment-free remission) attempt. It is now almost 2.5 years since I was forced to stop taking imatinib due to intolerance, and I'm overjoyed to report that my latest BCR-Abl test shows positive but unquantifiable (i.e. somewhere between 0.001 and 0.003%). My doctor is surprised and delighted, especially because she told me many times that I would never be a candidate for trying to stop taking the medication, given that I never reached the milestones in time and that I was borderline accelerated phase at diagnosis.
For those new on the forum, my message is that you must never give up hope. During this journey, I've twice been told that I had only a 20% chance of survival, and I never dreamt that I'd one day be off all treatment and still doing well (and being able to eat grapefruit again). Also, please make use of the great resources and make contact with the wonderful people here on this forum, many who have helped, guided, advised and inspired me through the dark days.
Wishing everyone all the best for 2025, with hope for your healing and prosperity.
Best wishes from South Africa
Martin