Rachel Purcell has marked 10 years since her leukaemia diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post.
“This month marks 10 years since being diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia) and now 6 years in remission,” Rachel began.
Rachel, who recently tied the knot with her husband Kevin at Cashel Palace Hotel in Tipperary last November, recalled how her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed.
Candidly opening up to her followers, Rachel said: “I don’t talk about it loads as CML became my new normal, I’m extremely lucky in that I can live a relatively normal life with it.
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“However, a lot has happened over those 10 years and while I’m really positive about my diagnosis (I always look on the bright side) sometimes it’s good to recognise how far I’ve come and gone through, it makes me appreciate my body even more…
“From weekly hospital checkups/bloods, bone marrow biopsies (thankfully only in the early days), hepatotoxicity, amenorrhoea, fatigue, severe headaches, fluid retention (swollen eyes), constant bruising (this still happens), trying to adjust to different medication (each having with their own side effects) and the financial cost involved with constant medication to manage my CML (drugs payment scheme is a blessing!).”
Before wrapping up, Rachel expressed her gratitude, adding: “I’m extremely grateful for all the advances in treatment and all the care and support everyone working in haematology provides to patients.
“Here’s to another 10 years.”
Previously speaking out about her sister’s diagnosis, Roz explained just how much of a toll her illness had on her and her family.
“I guess after my sister got CML, I realised life is so short, and you only get one run at it, so I definitely changed a lot,” The Tipperary woman told the independent.ie.
“My philosophy shifted towards being present, enjoying the small things, and not having so much fear about where I was going next.
“It definitely brought us all closer together.”
