PatElliott's Profile

PatElliott

E-Patient Advocate/Cancer Survivor

My Story

You might say I was born to tell you my story. My birthday is CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) Awareness Day. My experiences as a cancer survivor, journalist and healthcare executive have enabled me to be a strong advocate for myself, and for others around the world.

Until recently CML was almost always fatal - patients were given a short time to live. Today, in most cases, it can be managed with a new type of cancer treatment - targeted drug therapy. It's sort of like chemo in a pill and has nasty side effects, but they get better. There are no guarantees; complications and mutations can arise and CML continues to take far too many lives. Treatment is lifelong and very expensive, and the search for a cure continues. Yhe majority of patients though can now expect to live a normal lifespan instead of planning a funeral and saying their goodbyes. Pretty incredible!

From the beginning, my CML journey has been shared with others through blogs, multiple online forums and my work with health sites including Patient Power and EmpowHER. I also provide support for national and international advocacy groups for CML patients. Through these forums I've met CML patients from around the world and become part of a very special group of people who have much in common no matter what our age, sex, race or country. When you have a rare cancer it can be hard to find accurate information and it's extremely important to learn from fellow patients, and to share what you know too.

CML's cause is unknown. It starts in your genes when for some unknown reason a section of chromosome 9 switches places with a section of chromosome 22. This creates a new chromosome and gene, which tells the body to produce a protein that in turn causes the production of leukemia cancer cells. CML Awareness Day is on 9/22 because of the involvement of the 9 and 22 genes. Before my diagnosis I had never even heard of CML but now I'm happy to spend my birthdays, and every day, helping others learn about this rare cancer.

Information about the discoveries that led to new treatment methods for CML and are revolutionizing cancer care.

• A Conversation With Brian J. Druker, M.D. - Researcher Behind the Drug Gleevec

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/science/03conv.html?_r=4&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1282845660-n7+q426E19khhOjPm3Zvtw

• Discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome: a personal perspective - Peter C. Nowell

http://www.jci.org/articles/view/31771

• The legacy of the Philadelphia chromosome - Gary A. Koretzky

http://www.jci.org/articles/view/33032

• Q & A with Peter Nowell - Lasker Award winning researcher

http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/1999/012899/Nowell.html

Support organizations for CML patients:

National CML Society (U.S.): http://www.nationalcmlsociety.org/

CML Society of Canada: http://www.cmlsociety.org/

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/

Comments and Support Messages

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PatElliott

E-Patient Advocate/Cancer Survivor

My Story

Comments and Support Messages

Greg

Jul 27th 2010, 10:55 pm

Pat, Thank you so much for sharing your story and for providing input into what we do here at the National CML Society. Keep on keepin on! You are making a difference in the lives of many!

angella

Jul 28th 2010, 1:41 am

Thank you Pat for your ongoing support in the community. I did not know that about the genes 9 and 22 - very interesting....and your birthday as well.. Health and Happiness to you ~

Jennifer

Aug 26th 2010, 1:57 pm

You are AMAZING!!

michelle

Aug 26th 2010, 2:37 pm

Go Pat Go!!!

Corey

Aug 26th 2010, 3:12 pm

Pat is an inspirational, positive woman. She is driven & determined in everything she does -- including beating cancer. I couldn't be prouder of Pat!

jodi

Aug 26th 2010, 4:08 pm

My honor to vote for you!

Patrice

Aug 26th 2010, 4:53 pm

Pat: You are a light worker, indeed....shining a beacon of hopeful knowledge and sharing the brightness of intelligent information with others. Education is the key to personal empowerment and healing. Be well and safe journeys, Your old pal, Patti

Patty

Aug 26th 2010, 6:07 pm

Pat - you are an inspirational woman and I'm proud to have you as a friend! Sending positive vibes from Chicago!

Diane

Aug 26th 2010, 7:10 pm

Pat, thanks for sharing your knowledge and for you advocacy work. It's so very important.

CaryRN

Sep 8th 2010, 7:15 pm

Pat, you are a fantastic advocate and I am so proud to know you.

Mary

Sep 12th 2010, 9:22 am

Thank you Pat for your great words and works. I am finding new ways to cope with CML everyday and you have made the top of my list. It an be a lonely journey. But you have shown me a light. Thank you

Judith

Sep 13th 2010, 12:47 am

Pat, I am so proud of you and wish you continued success in your journey of survival. I thank God you worked in health care and have been able to advocate for yourself as well as others. Love, JUDY

Kathleen OBrien

Sep 13th 2010, 12:52 pm

You are an inspiration Pat!

Ruth

Sep 13th 2010, 2:45 pm

Truly an amazing story, you were hit with a devastating disease and have beat it to inspire others. Now that's writing your own story. Looking forward to hearing how you continue to "change the world"

Ruth

Sep 13th 2010, 2:46 pm

Looking forward to watching how you "change the world" Best Wishes

francine

Sep 13th 2010, 6:08 pm

The best part of your story is the part about getting good news about your CML:-)

Heather

Sep 13th 2010, 11:07 pm

Pat - you are an inspiration and I feel fortunate to have met you and become your friend. Your efforts to help others are generous during your own personal battle with cancer and that is so tremendous. We are all lucky to have you!

stacee

Sep 14th 2010, 8:17 am

Pat Elliott is an inspiration - and a true survivor. She lives like everyday is a gift and treats people as if they are too. Simply put, she's a hero.

Diana

Sep 15th 2010, 2:08 pm

Amazing story; amazing woman. Thanks, Pat.

Kelley

Sep 15th 2010, 3:35 pm

Pat, I really honor you and your journey, professionally and personnally. You have made a big difference to so many people in the CML world and beyond. Thanks for reaching out to me too!

ChristineJ

Sep 17th 2010, 3:09 pm

Pat, you are an inspiration to women all over the world. Happy Birthday 9/22!! Here's to many more years of advocating and writing. From one writer/advocate to another.

kimberlykoehly

Sep 17th 2010, 4:44 pm

Lottie

Sep 19th 2010, 1:35 am

Jennifer

Sep 20th 2010, 1:25 pm

Pat, your strenght has amazed, inspired and sustained me in my own fight. ROCK ON!!

RebeccasHeart

Sep 21st 2010, 8:24 pm

Pat; Thank you for all you've done and continue to do to advocate for women. You are an inspiration to so many. Looking forward to meeting you in Long Beach. Rebecca Fortunato

66 People
Have Supported Me