Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12oc8fE3RpkdPBIaamyDpkjYjmFjVPp8Dqfw34DeWsAY/edit?usp=sharing

Becky has been feeling really tired lately and has lost a lot of weight quickly. She's been getting nosebleeds and fevers frequently. Even though Becky has never had any serious health issues before, she is worried and calls to schedule an appointment with her doctor.

Okay Becky, we just ran your blood work and the results are consistent with your symptoms. It looks like you have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

What is Leukemia?

The Doctor replies, “Well, Leukemia is when blood cells or lymph tissue in your blood or bone marrow mutate. Your white blood cell or red blood cell count decreases as they are replaced with the damaged leukemia cells.  This weakens the individuals immune system and leads to increased fatigue and weakness. Your swollen lymph nodes are a telltale sign that your immune system is being overworked. There are two classifications of Leukemia. Chronic if the onset is slow or acute if onset is rapid. It can also be classified as lymphocytic or myeloid, depending on the type of cell affected. Acute myeloid leukemia is the cancerous mutation of your blood cells and is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the cancerous mutation of your lymphatic tissue and is considered the most common type of acute leukemia in children. Chronic lymphocytic is the most common type of chronic leukemia in adults. It is slow growing and an individual can go years without any symptoms. Chronic myeloid leukemia is also slow to progress and affects your blood cells. It usually only affects adults.

Wow that sounds serious. Is it just in my blood?

Unfortunately, no. It typically starts in bone marrow or your blood and quickly spreads. It spreads to your lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs.

What treatments are available to me?