National CML Day

Today, September 22, (9/22) is a special day for those of us living with chronic myelogenous leukemia. It is a day to be grateful for the opportunity to fight our daily battle with CML, a day to reflect and mourn those who have lost their battle with CML, and a day to cheer on those that are facing the much larger battle with CML, through a bone marrow transplant.

For many of us diagnosed with CML, our life long battle consists of daily medication; this medication is designed to control, not cure CML.

CML is a blood cancer that occurs when a piece of chromosome 9 and chromosome 22, break apart, translocate, and create a new chromosome identified as the Philadelphia Chromosome. This chromosome acts like an on switch for white blood cells; the normal range is between 4,000-10,000, when I was diagnosed, in February 2011,  I had 385,000 white blood cells. While great strides have been made in managing this rare type of blood cancer, there is still no cure.

Since there is no rhyme nor reason, as to "if and when" CML will gain the upper hand and wreak havoc on its' host, I try to live each and every day to its' fullest, be grateful for the opportunity to still be alive, and hold out hope for a cure!

I am grateful for our oncologists who keep us alive and for those who are continuing their research to find a cure.

Living with CML is tough, but with your support and encouragement, I remain tougher!!

Thank you,
Michele

Happy CML Day!!