Does anyone have chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?

Hi Kim: I was diagnosed at 52 years old also, and I am now 76. I am off my treatment now for almost 6 years. CML is very treatable. When I used to have BMB, I was given Lidocaine injection, and then sedation My doctor used to put Demerol into my IV, and I had no pain at all. I could feel the pressure of him going into get the sample, but it was not painful. After the BMB you feel sore for awhile. Sometimes a few weeks. I shared my diagnosis with all my family, and got tremendous support from everybody. My husband was with me through everything. IT is so shocking. You just have to trust God. Nothing is impossible with God. He has gotten me through this and much more through the years. You will be fine. My first biopsy was also in Dec right before the holidays, and I did not know what to expect. It all worked out well. Enjoy your holidays and your family, as you enjoy a long life.

I’ve had the bone marrow biopsy without sedation. It was extremely painful and caused my muscles to constrict and after about two hours the lidacain wore off and my muscles seized causing more pain. Sedation is a must and i’ll never do it again without it
This procedure is necessary for your dr to properly diagnose you with CML and identify the Philadelphia chromosome BCR/ABL good luck in your journey

Hi Kim, I am doing very well, thank you. That’s the reason I’m here to offer other people with leukemia the gift of hope. Almost 5 years ago I was diagnosed with CML’s ugly and aggressive stepsister, AML. Much like you, I was seldom ever ill, had a super healthy and physically active lifestyle.

Because it’s termed Acute, the AML came on like a speeding freight train. Months of chemo and a bone marrow transplant got me in a durable remission. Now I’m fit, healthy and feel as though nothing ever happened. Occasionally I have a ‘hiccup’ related to the transplant but the cancer is gone and life is pretty normal.

Sometimes life just throws us a curveball over which we have no control! In my case, I acquired 3 DNA mutations which caused certain cells to proliferate out of control. My doctors have said there is no way to know what caused it. There can be stray gamma rays shooting through the earth, or whatever…that can just cause a random mutation. Your doctor will be checking your biopsy for mutations as well.

You have been diagnosed with CML. It tends to develop slowly. After your biopsy results are back your doctor will be able to develop a comprehensive treatment option plan for you. I think you’ll feel better knowing there’s a plan of action. Right now you feel helpless and overwhelmed.

I’m giving you a link for an article that gives you some good information on CML without overloading you. Knowledge is power but when you’re first diagnosed it’s an overload to get too much information at one time. There’s only so much you an absorb when you’re feeling shocked by the news. Truly, I know how you feel. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21845-chronic-myelogenous-leukemia-cml

I’m happy you’ve told your daughter and you’ll know when it’s right to tell your other children. The support of your husband and your deep and abiding faith will all serve to get you through this. As a mom, you know the super powers you already possess. Your brain will wrap around this and you’ll realize you’ve already had this for some time and not much as changed. Your grandson will have his granny around a long time. ☺️

How many children do you have?

Hi Suzie, it's great to know how well your doing. I'm so happy for you. I appreciate the information you shared, especially about the biopsy. Would you happen to know if they would allow my husband in the room? I would just feel so much better if he was there. Yeah it sucks for all this to be happening and right around the holidays. Well I will keep you in my prayers and have a blessed Thanksgiving because we have a lot to be thankful for.

Hi: They probably will not allow your husband in with you if it is in Same Day Surgery at a hospital, but you have nothing to worry about. Your so sedated that you do not even know who is in the room. Its done so quick, and then your awake and ready to go home. You will feel very sore, but it gets better. I live in New Jersey, and I have no idea how they do things where you are. Just trust God, and have a great Thanksgiving. We always have something to be thankful for. Post so everyone knows how you did with the biopsy. All our information helps others.

Hello my name is Kim,
I have recently been diagnosed with CML on 11/14/2023. I went to the doctor for my routine physical/bloodwork at the end of October. I was told my WBC were elevated and I need to retest. The next call I received was different nurses and doctors from my primary care and Hematology. I’m currently taking Hydroxyurea, and waiting to receive Sprycel. I’m 52 never had any health problems my entire life. This is so shocking to me. I have to get a bone biopsy on Dec 1 and they’re doing it at the hospital under moderate sedation. I’m so terrified of the unknown. Could someone please tell me if this procedure is painful as it sounds. I appreciate this form I just found it. I will be praying for you all.

Actually I’ve had 3 over the past several years. Really not as bad as you anticipate. Just remember to relax.

I had one just recently. Was pretty nervous. I was awake for it and even though it hurt it was more pressure than sharp pain. Wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The best thing is to relax like someone said. It goes much easier.
Hope that helps!

Hello my name is Kim,
I have recently been diagnosed with CML on 11/14/2023. I went to the doctor for my routine physical/bloodwork at the end of October. I was told my WBC were elevated and I need to retest. The next call I received was different nurses and doctors from my primary care and Hematology. I’m currently taking Hydroxyurea, and waiting to receive Sprycel. I’m 52 never had any health problems my entire life. This is so shocking to me. I have to get a bone biopsy on Dec 1 and they’re doing it at the hospital under moderate sedation. I’m so terrified of the unknown. Could someone please tell me if this procedure is painful as it sounds. I appreciate this form I just found it. I will be praying for you all.