Research into the drug asciminib is being conducted at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (ASZ) in Dordrecht. It can be a remedy for patients for whom existing medication does not work or causes side effects that are too severe. That was the case with Mieneke. “You still have those side effects. But with this drug they are much more acceptable. While with other medications I had the feeling that I would become a disabled person.”
Donation City Swim
The research costs a lot of money. And to pay for all equipment and personnel, donations are indispensable. City Swim Dordrecht donated ten thousand euros to leukemia research. That amount is part of the 120,000 euros raised from the sixth edition of Swim to Fight Cancer in Dordrecht. “We are very happy with it,” says Peter Westerveel, internist-hematologist. “To cover the costs, donations such as those from City Swim are very important.”
Developments
Progress is also being made in research. “We try to reduce patients’ medication so that they can eventually stop taking it,” says physician-researcher Arjen Yousefi. As a result, Mieneke has not been taking medication for months. But she still comes to the hospital every week for a check-up.
Perspective
Mieneke had to close her pedicure salon because working requires too much effort. But thanks to the medication, she can resume her daily activities. “I now have a lot of time for things that I didn’t have time for before,” Mieneke explains. “I can cycle, walk and be creative again. I have never sat still.”
Tags: Mieneke alive special medication cancer
