Back home we lived our lives. But something wasn’t right. Tiredness and lethargy took over. I had
chosen my own consultant when my GP told me I had to go back to hospital monitoring after a few
years under his care. My first consultant had retired. He was a very helpful force in my journey and
had contained most of my fears telling me I would most likely die with CLL not of it. He had
cautioned me about the risk of infections, particularly chest infections which could lead to
pneumonia which if not treated could lead to my death.

During routine monitoring of blood counts by the local surgery my lymphocytes and white blood cell count was rising steadily. The number of prescriptions for antibiotics increased. So the search was on for a new consultant.

This time my GP could not recommend anyone. My close friend had CLL and had undergone FCR
which had been effective in putting her into remission but the side effects had taken its toll. She had
experienced skin rashes , nausea and debilitating symptoms after her treatment culminating in
sepsis which had hospitalised her and nearly killed her.

Whilst the local hospital had got it under control I had not been impressed by the lack of post treatment monitoring. This coupled with her lack of knowledge and understanding of the urgency to act had meant she hadn’t realised the high temperatures were actually life threatening sepsis until I visited her at home and insisted she get to hospital. After three weeks they got it all under control but the whole episode had left her very weak.

I was determined I wasn’t going to go through the same experience and vowed not to have
chemo. The treatment in her case had been worse than the disease. The search began. My GP had said I should find someone I trusted and he would refer me. In earnest I trawled the internet until I came across Prof. Hillmen at Jimmies. His CV and reputation really impressed me and I got my referral. He was charming but more importantly he filled me with Hope. His knowledge of CLL and his involvement in research gave me confidence.

At my first consultation I was amazed at the slick operation at the Haematology department in the Bexley wing . A modern, bright and well equipped system. I tentatively asked if I could become a patient there. Despite it
being 40 miles from my home and in a completely separate NHS Trust. The man from Bexley said yes!
He assured me if I was prepared to travel he would monitor me until I needed treatment. I was in
safe hands. The relief I felt was palpable.

This started my relationship with Jimmies. Well actually it renewed it. My first job when I was 18 was
in the Pharmacy department there. I had travelled there every day catching the early train for the40
minute journey and the a bus ride up to Harehills. After months of this I had moved to a beset in
Gipton and my love affair with the city began. Over a period of four years I made it my home,
moving into a shared house in Oakwood where life for me took off. So going back 40 years later was
like coming home.

The trips were Initially three monthly for routine monitoring by blood tests and examination. I
managed to book in for the first appointment of the day in outpatient clinic , had my bloods done in
the department and after 40 minutes when the results were ready I saw one of the team. It worked
like clockwork , a well oiled machine. I enjoyed the regularity and reliability and got to know the
staff.

What impressed me most was the professor wheeling the notes trolley and acknowledging all
the waiting patients with a friendly smile! I once asked him why he rolled his sleeves up and did this.
He said he was just part of the team and did that so he could review all patient notes before
allocating the files to his team of consultants-and doctors. I managed to be back at work by
lunchtime. The journey was smooth , an hours drive to Rampton Hospital where I was a Staff
Counsellor. Quite a different hospital to Jimmies!

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