My 6 Year Battle With CML

For some that may not know, I have been diagnosed with what was formerly considered a life-threatening or fatal illness.

A brief background story… On this day, 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML for short) – with little or no symptoms at all. In short, I was asymptomatic until such time I started experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Apart from that, I also have had a high grade fever and enlarged spleen (which is the reason why I easily feel full to the stomach). My body feels rather weak and often tired even after doing a simple activity.

My previous hema-oncologist first prescribed a myelosuppressive drug named Hydroxyurea, then put me under a treatment protocol with a prescription of Imatinib (Gleevec) a short period after with a dosage of 400 mg. Being on an oral chemotherapy treatment is not so easy – I felt some side effects like nausea and dizziness, sometimes even blurred vision.

I’m now on my 6th year of battle with this blood cancer and on my 6th cycle of oral chemotherapy. Still hopeful that this cancer will completely go away or be in remission.