Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Joanna - Interview 35

Joanna looked after her husband for ten years after he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Although initial treatment put him into remission the disease recurred after five years in remission. Further treatment did not work and he eventually died.

  • Background

    Joanna is an architect. She is widowed with 3 adult children. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 36

    She was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia after developing tiredness, aches and pains and weight loss. She was treated with interferon then moved to Glivec (imatinib). Her disease is stable but she regrets that treatment has caused infertility.

  • Background

    She is a Human Resources Consultant. She is married with no children. Ethnic background: Asian.

  • Age at interview 40
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Elizabeth - Interview 24

    Elizabeth was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 1999 and was one of the first people in the UK to receive Glivec. She then developed acute myeloid leukaemia, which was treated with FLAG-Ida then a stem cell transplant. She is in remission.

  • Background

    Elizabeth is a retired NHS administrator. She is married with two adult children. Ethnic background: half French Mauritian, half White British.

  • Age at interview 56
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Alex - Interview 38

    Alex was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia after a blood test for an unrelated health problem. He has regular checks but has had no treatment. He doesn't worry about his leukaemia because he has other, worse health problems.

  • Background

    Alex is a retired sales manager. He is married with two adult children. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 87
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Glyn - Interview 40

    Glyn was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia after being refused as a blood donor. A chromosome abnormality makes his leukaemia resistant to chemotherapy. After several treatments were unsuccessful he was given lenalidomide, which is working.

  • Background

    Glyn is a retired management accountant. He is married with two adult children. Ethnic background: White English.

  • Age at interview 66
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Jimmy - Interview 41

    Jimmy was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia after swollen lymph glands in his neck were noticed by a doctor at a routine check up for an unrelated health problem. He has not had any treatment and attends for regular check-ups.

  • Background

    Jimmy is a retired electronics technician. He is married with one adult child. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Gilly - Interview 42

    Gilly was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia 18 months ago after having a variety of symptoms. She nearly died but 4 courses of chemotherapy put her into remission. The leukaemia recurred after 5 months and was treated with a bone marrow transplant.

  • Background

    Gilly is a therapist and yoga teacher. She has no children. Ethnic background: Irish/American / Turkish/English.

  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Rani - Interview 43

    Rani was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia after feeling generally unwell and stressed by her work and family responsibilities. She has regular check-ups but has had no treatment.

  • Background

    Rani is a home maker. She is divorced with one child. Ethnic background: British Asian.

  • Age at interview 61
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Mark - Interview 44

    Mark was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia after having various symptoms. Treatments included interferon and oral chemotherapy. A planned stem cell transplant was deferred after his blood counts improved. He is in remission but still feels unwell.

  • Background

    Mark is a voluntary charity secretary. He is single and has no children. Ethnic background: White Welsh.

  • Age at interview 41
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Claire - Interview 45

    Claire was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome after experiencing tiredness, aching legs and weight loss. She was treated with chemotherapy and an allogenic bone marrow transplant. She is in remission and has a new outlook on life.

  • Background

    Claire is married with 3 children aged 17, 11 and 9. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 37
  • Sex/Gender Female