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CML (stage 1) treatments and dietary management.
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jul 16, 2025 | Replies (6)Comment receiving replies
I recently was diagnosed with CML and, after my bone marrow biopsy, it was confirmed last week. I was prescribed Imatinib and started it yesterday. The anxiety has been the worst part since it was told to me outta no where from a yearly physical and blood test. I thought I was pretty healthy.
I read positive things and nerve racking things. The doctor says people live a normal life with CML, decades, and then I read someone didn't live 4 years.
I'm worried about how the disease and the side effects of the drug are going to hinder my ability to work.
Replies to "I recently was diagnosed with CML and, after my bone marrow biopsy, it was confirmed last..."
Welcome to Mayo Connect, @bennyc. It’s nerve-racking to receive a diagnosis like CML of the blue. As @mjbulte shared in her reply to you, your journeys are remarkably similar. Many types of blood cancers can take years to progress without any obvious symptoms. So patients are caught unawares when the labs turn up with a surprise…or maybe shock is a better word. I can relate…
Chronic lymphatic leukemia has seen so many advancements in treatments over the years, with targeted meds and biologics, that statistics are showing a healthy, longterm survival rate…just like your doctor said.
Here’s an excerpt from Healthline.com. It was newly updated just a few days ago:
“ According to large 2006 study of a newer drug called imatinib (Gleevec), there was an 83 percent survival rate after five years for those who received this drug. A 2018 study of patients consistently taking the drug imatinib found that 90 percent lived at least 5 years.”
Link to the entire article:
https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-myeloid-leukemia/outlook-life-expectancy
From Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-myelogenous-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352417
There are several members in the forum who have CML. If you haven’t read through this discussion already, I think you’ll be encouraged by @suzie71 and her story:
~I've had CML for 20 years and want to encourage others
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-myelogenous-leukemia-cml/
If I may make a suggestion…try to avoid reading those negative stories. We each have our own, unique journeys and the best we can do for ourselves is remain positive and forward focused! So try to maintain normalcy in your life, stay active, eat healthy and consider that CML is a chronic issue that you’ll live with.
Will you share with us how you’re doing on the Imatinib?
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Bennyc, same feelings here as my journey mirrors yours. Routine bloodwork and the next thing I knew I was sitting in the Hematologist's office hearing about CML. Bone marrow biopsy is next week. I’m taking 500mg of Hyroxyurea daily with minimal side effects so far. I go from scared to confident on a daily basis. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. We can support each other as we walk this walk.