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How do you deal with cmml-1

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Old Forge, NY

Recently diagnosed
86 y/o stubborn male

October 11
 · 
Reactions
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I'm sending you a virtual hug.

3 days ago
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

He sits in a chair & falls asleep, I’m watching his breathing which is a little more compromised & he is bruising easily!

October 13
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I too have CMML and there is very little one is able to do about it except brag how rare it is, 1 in 100,000 and if I am going to die with something then I want it to be special, not something like a common cold . PAH! anyone can have one of those but CMML is rare.
What I have just said is true (according to the literature I have read) and it makes my son quite annoyed. Ho! Ho! But the original question is: How do you deal with it? The answer in my opinion one cannot 'Deal' with something that's has no cure. It is a consequence of living to an old age. The body ages and when 'things' become OLD they lose efficiency. Fact.
I guess your bone marrow and my bone marrow and our bone marrow on this site has lost efficiency. The Bone Marrow is producing Blasts that are not metaphorising into the correct number of blood cells. The DNA sequence has become a bit askew.
Sometimes for some people it is better not to know facts. Personally I have lived with facts and so I enjoy knowing about them. Accept the diagnosis there is little one is able to do about it. And at 85 years plus you have nothing to complain about.

3 days ago
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

What are the symptoms? Inflamation in joints, soremuscles, bruising easily w platelets below 80...these are some of symptoms I experienced 4 years w cmml1, all very tolerable. At 86, Id say he isdoing pretty good!

October 12
MyLeukemiaTeam

First of all, a new CMML-1 diagnosis is a lot to take in — especially for someone who's probably spent 86 years doing things his own way. That stubbornness might actually come in handy when it comes to advocating for himself!

CMML-1 means there are 2–4% blast cells (immature blood cells) in the blood and 5–9% in the bone Show Full Answer

First of all, a new CMML-1 diagnosis is a lot to take in — especially for someone who's probably spent 86 years doing things his own way. That stubbornness might actually come in handy when it comes to advocating for himself!

CMML-1 means there are 2–4% blast cells (immature blood cells) in the blood and 5–9% in the bone marrow. It's a slower-moving form, which is generally a more manageable starting point. Treatment decisions for someone his age will depend on several personal factors, including:

- Overall health and any existing conditions
- Current symptoms being experienced
- How quickly the CMML is progressing
- Blood cell counts and specific genetic changes

At 86, doctors often focus on managing symptoms and quality of life rather than aggressive treatment. Options may include:

- Hypomethylating agents — medications that slow abnormal cell growth
- Supportive care — such as blood transfusions or growth factors to help maintain healthy blood cell levels
- Watchful waiting — if the disease is progressing slowly and symptoms are mild A bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure, but given his age, this is likely not the recommended path — it carries serious risks that may outweigh the benefits.

The most important step is having an open conversation with his hematologist/oncologist about what matters most to him in terms of daily life and comfort. His care team can tailor a plan that respects both his health needs and his personality. 😄

October 11

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