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I've had CML for 20 years and want to encourage others

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Oct 22 10:55am | Replies (100)
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@jagnorth

I’m trying to find out how I got CML. I have had a exposure to radiation many years ago, could that be the cause?

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Replies to "I’m trying to find out how I got CML. I have had a exposure to radiation..."
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Oct 22 10:06am

Hi @jagnorth. How you got CML may remain a mystery. Exposure to radiation can certainly be a culprit but so can myriad other exposures we pick up in our lifetime as well as completely random mutations which can happen to set the chain of events rolling. Chronic myelogenous leukemia happens when something causes changes to the bone marrow cells. There's no way to prevent chronic myelogenous leukemia. If you get it, there's nothing you could have done to prevent it.

So you start from your diagnosis and now, move forward. Welcome to Mayo Connect. You popped into the perfect discussion to meet up with other members who have been diagnosed with CML. I had AML, CML’s ugly step-sister, almost 6 years ago. From experience I know what a gut punch it is to get a diagnosis of leukemia. But fortunately there are treatments which may help you enjoy a future.

When were you diagnosed? Has a treatment plan been suggested for you?

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