To commemorate World CML Day 2023, The Max Foundation organised a Patient Support Group Meeting for Friends of Max on 16th September 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Bengaluru.
We spoke to Varadharajan Vaidhyanathan and his wife Lalitha Varadharajan, FOM City Chapter Leaders, and asked them to share their thoughts and insights on the gathering:
1. Importance of Support Group meetings for patients:
The support group meetings are very important for patients and caregivers. They provide a forum where they can discuss their problems which will be better understood. The meetings give them support and confidence. Arrangement for a blood test at no cost was very helpful to the patients.
2. What are your feelings when you meet the FOM Community?
Meeting the FOM community is a joyous occasion. We meet old friends whom we have not met for a long time. We also meet new friends who are eager to share their experiences.
3. What are your thoughts on the interactive sessions organized at the meeting?
The interactive session was very informative. There were eminent doctors present. Much light was thrown on monitoring the disease regularly. The effect of Imatinib on male fertility and the feotus was discussed in detail. Two patients discussed their journey through pregnancy. The art therapy session was fun-filled. It was delightful to see all drawing and colouring with childlike enthusiasm.
4. Do you have any expectations from future FOM meetings?
I look forward to many more future FOM meetings to illuminate the various aspects and developments in the field of CML.
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Nice👍👏👍👏