Dealing with CML and Bulimia

Hi @hananm1985, Both CML and bulimia are serious health risks. CML is chronic myeloid leukemia. You can’t ’just get rid of it’. This is a form of leukemia (blood cancer) that needs to be treated with appropriate chemo or targeted therapies. It’s important to be seen by a hematologist to discuss treatments for a positive outcome.

I hope when you see the hematologist oncologist about the CML that you openly discuss your bulimia with them. I don’t know how one will impact the other except to say that chemo or targeted therapies can cause issues with eating because of nausea. You’re already challenged in that area so it could be concerning for getting the vital nutrition you’ll require.

Bulimia certainly complicates your life and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. Have you sought treatment to help you learn to overcome this eating disorder?

I am too scared to share this matter with family members, my mother is overprotective, will not allow me to live my life freely.

I wish I could reach through this computer to give you a hug this morning because you need some support. Your health situation right now, with having been diagnosed with CML and having bulimia, is going to require family involvement. This is more than you can take on alone.

If you don’t mind sharing a little more, may I ask your age? When were you diagnosed with CML and what has your hematologist suggested for treatment? Is your hematologist aware of your bulimia?

I am suffering from bulimia since 2019 or earlier not suee when it started., only my 2 closest friends know... and I knew about my cancer 8 months ago. I thought it's easy to handle them... but I failed. Specially when I started suffering from severe hypotension and fainting. Last time I hit my head on stairs. My doctor asked me what happened, I couldn't tell him that I threw out on purpose. I really tried my best, but ...

You’re being so very brave trying to juggle these two health issues on your own. My heart is aching for you and how alone you must be feeling without a support system with your family.

I know how bulimia can bring on personal shame because it’s something hidden from friends and family. It’s your own personal struggle. Sincerely, you needn’t feel shame or be afraid to talk about what’s happening in your life to your family or your doctor. It can be the first step towards healing.
In fact, your doctor would be a good place to start. They would be an excellent source for setting you up with a counselor to help you overcome this hurdle.
Reversing bulimia is a process and it takes time. Cognitive behavioral therapy, where you learn to change thought patterns, is often a first step. Sometimes there are meds such as antidepressants suggested and counseling to get to the root of the problem.

You’ve been suffering with your eating disorder for over 5 years and you already know that trying to stop is an enormous challenge. This can all be very frightening because of the impact to your health, both mentally and physically, such as fainting with a potential head injury. I imagine you must be feeling pretty overwhelmed with the stress of holding in this secret of both the eating disorder and the CML.

About your CML, what treatment are you taking to help control the progression?

I really feel it’s time you reach out to someone you can trust…family, friend or your health professional. You need a lifeline.
You mentioned you can’t talk to your mom. Are there other family members like your father, siblings, aunties with whom you can confide?

My family are only aware about my cancer. They all are supporting me. My mother is so brave to handle all my emotion disorder, therefore she became overprotective. However I want to have my space doing things I want, to achieve my life goals. She is not allowing me to go out without sending someone with me. Cancelled all club membership, warning my friend to not cross their lines with me. Telling my doctors to not update me with my health issues, and she has to be the first person to be talked before me.

When i hit my head, she blamed my sister that they neglected. It was me who told them I want to go alone to exercise. I tried to spoke to my elder sister, but she told me to not disobey her. Otherwise everyone will suffer. She kept telling me it's temporary.

I know I might be too sensitive recently, but I am always feeling that I lost lot of time, I am like disabled one with no value, alone 💔

Sorry not feeling well

Yes i have my family but it is very hard. I thank you for giving me some support and I thank you very much! No treatment has yet began, tomorrow I‘m going at my doctor and I think he will sent me to a hematologist!