MINKROCH's Journey:

Currently in remission and taking maintenance medications for the next 2 years. The medications include: ATRA, methotrexate, and mercaptopurine. The primary side effects are nausea and generalized itching. I have had experience with methotrexate toxicity which resulted in chronic diarrhea and hospitalization. The medical team reduced my dose to 1/4 but have decided to re-up my dose to 1/2, which causing me anxiety...don't want to go through toxicity again. I am also finding myself fatigued when taking ATRA which is scheduled every three months for a 2 week period (10 pills daily). This journey has had a significant impact on my life, and I can't wait for this chemo to be over!

Nausea and generalized itching

Began maintenance in January 2012 and anticipate maintenance therapy for 2 additional years.

I have been seeing a psychologist weekly for depression related to my leukemia diagnosis, and have found this very helpful. I felt the need to have someone other than family and friends to express my feelings, changes, and frustrations. I encourage others to explore their issues and feeling with a trained counselor.

My medical team determined that I needed an IVC filter after having blood clots to both of my lungs simultaneously. The filter prevents any clots from reaching my lungs, and I am on Coumidin on a daily basis due to my clotting episodes and a genetic clotting disorder.

After having diarrhea for over a month affecting my immune system and liver functions it was determined that I was experiencing Methotrexate toxicity, due to slowly metabolizing the medication.

Most difficult part of bone biopsy procedure is waiting for the results!

My bone biopsy came back indicating that I remain in molecular remission!