What caused your CML?

Chaos Theory. The same thing that will deiced whether the coin
will land head or tails. Why are some people are born pretty and smart
and other people born not pretty or smart. With CML. Like me.

Romo

I believe radiation (from CT-scans) coupled with very low vitamin D (so I had not defense at the initial stem cell bcr-abl mutation) caused my CML.

http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/radiol.12121248

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-ct-scans-cause-cancer

I will NEVER have a CT-scan taken again. Ever.

About 5 years before my CML diagnosis, I had a series of CT-scans around my hip area (big blood forming area). I have little doubt this triggered start of CML. For healthy immune systems, most people's T-cells simply wipe out the mutation naturally (bcr-abl translocation is common and never progresses or becomes detectable). In my case - since my vitamin D was also very low (unknown to me at the time) , I had no defense. CML left the gate.

That's my theory for myself. I have been spending the last 8 years putting my CML genie back in its box. My vitamin D level is now very strong (kept at the high normal level) and my immune system overall is greatly strengthened. As CML stem cells get whittled away (using fasting as one method), eventually the stem cell population will be below a critical threshold amount needed to maintain T-cell defense (CML cells put out cytokines to tell our immune system to stand down, but many cells are needed for that). In this way, my CML stem cell population will be eradicated naturally. Much of it is probably gone already.

I am currently PCRU while taking only 20 mg Sprycel. I have a year or less to go after which I will go off drug and test "treatment free remission".

It is my hope that I will be off drug for good (functional cure). I will keep you all posted on my journey as I do this.

My CML was caused by my service at Camp Lejeune after enlisting in the Marine Corps. 

I've enclosed an article which explains the issue.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/35977/vas-rule-establishes-presumption-...

I really do not believe there was enough publicity around this disaster which covered years between 1953 and 1987, so anyone who served at Camp Lejeune during this period and has had the misfortune of being diagnosed with any of these presumptive illnesses should contact the VA.

We did extensive research after being diagnosed, and most doctors said a cause could not be determined but we came across a Marine Corps Toxic Water Registry at Camp Lejeune which led to a protracted claim process with the VA. Once the new law was passed in March 2017, the VA was extremely helpful.

I have no idea what caused mine. We also live in a high-radon area but our home has a radon reduction system that seems to work.

We can be very grateful for all the cancer research that has helped us so much, but it would be great if more work could be done on WHY? There must be a lot of data in the US cancer registry, and I assume other countries have similar data. It would not be difficult to crunch the information and find similarities -- would it? If CML could be prevented rather than treated, wouldn't that be something!?

From the article: "We were exposed to heavy exhaust fumes. Most vehicles were operated and serviced inside of our building without being connected to the external ventilation system. Another problem like this is the main engineering building (known as Building 850, The Henry Jackson Engineering Building) air intake is from the carport at the front entrance."

Perhaps the high incidence of CML was caused by exposure to benzene coupled with low vitamin D levels?