Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

By RMartin920

1 min read

I went to my primary care physician in Sept. 2008 and he ordered the blood tests as he did each year. He called to tell me that something was not right and that he would refer me to a specialist. I was called and had further tests and found out to my surprise that I had CML. I was immediately put on the medication Gleevec. Now all these years later I am still in remission, praise God! But I tell everyone how important that yearly doctor visit is, because it may have saved my life!

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Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
SO nice to "meet" you. I'm glad your doc was so on top of things and that your treatment is going well. I was diagnosed with CML eight years ago but only found out about it by chance because my doc at the time didn't take my symptoms seriously. There have been a lot of ups and downs since then. I was started on Gleevec and switched to Sprycel after one year and now I may have to be switched again. Live and learn. Susan (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Fanie Member
I've been diagnosed, 8 months ago, with CML cancer. At what stage does one qualify for remission? My readings 8 months ago were: white blood cells 62,000 and cancer cells 20%. My most resent blood test readings are - white blood cells 4000 and cancer cells 0.05
1. Ronni Gordon Contributor
 Hi Fanie, Thanks for dropping by! It's great to have you here as a valued member of the community. How are you feeling? It's great that your numbers are going in the right direction. Your doctor of course would be the first person to ask about this, but in addition, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a great resource . An example is their publication, "Treatment Free Remission for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia patients." If you copy and paste this link, you will find a good explanation of how to know if you are in remission. <a href='https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/FS34_Treatment_Free_Remission2018.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/FS34_Treatment_Free_Remission2018.pdf</a> Wishing you well and pease keep us posted. Ronni (Blood-Cancer.com team member.)
2. Maria Valente Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Fanie" user-id="6651309"/> I was diagnosed with CML in 2011. While I've never heard of a remission with CML I have experienced two full molecular responses to treatment in 11 years. I was able to be off treatment for a few months, but had to return to treatment each time. The good news is that many doctor's will day that we have the potential for a full lifespan with treatment. That gives hope.
Daniel Malito Moderator
Good advice! Early detection can be key in a successful outcome. If it's possible to visit the doctor regularly, it can really increase your chances! Keep on keepin' on, DPM