A POPULAR TV presenter broke down in tears live as she shared her cancer diagnosis with viewers.
Edwina Bartholomew, host of the Australian breakfast show Sunrise, sent a surprising personal message on today’s show.
3
Edwina Bartholomew revealed her cancer diagnosis on TV today Credits: Seven
3
Edwina had no symptoms when she was diagnosed Credits: Seven
The 41-year-old said: “Now, a personal story to end the newsletter.
“I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a shock to say, and it’s hard to say. It’s a really good kind. It’s called chronic myeloid leukemia. It can be treated with a daily pill. If I can take care of myself, I’ll be absolutely fine.”
Mum-of-two Edwina then began to cry as her co-host Natalie Barr reached out and took her hand.
She was first diagnosed in July after a routine blood test.
Explaining why she wanted to break the news, she said: “Firstly, because everyone at home has been here for all the wonderful times, engagements, weddings and babies, for all of us. It was good to share this with you too. Many of you been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger…and more resilient.Here’s what I plan to do.
“I thought I could keep my cool and I will. Second, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40 I decided to put my health first. I had a skin exam after Nat freaked out. I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps – everything became clear, I even went for an eye exam – that’s fine.
“But my doctor sent me for routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels that were wrong.”
Edwina, who joined Sunrise as a news anchor in 2021, will take time off the show later this month to undergo treatment but is already planning a gradual return to full-time work.
The brave star, who presented Dancing with the Stars for three seasons, continued: “My life expectancy is not changing. I just need to take care of myself and rest. So far I have responded very well to the medication, which is fantastic, I have not had any side effects.
“I was tired, but, hey, I get up at 3 in the morning. So there’s no symptoms. No warning signs. That’s really common with this type of cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia. You don’t have symptoms.
“But if I hadn’t prioritized my health and gone for a check-up, the situation would have been different. It’s a lot to wrap around.”
3
Edwina is a mother of two and married to Neil Varcoe Credit: Instagram/@neilwrites
What is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also known as chronic myeloid leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It is characterized by an overproduction of mature and immature myeloid cells, which are a type of white blood cell. CML usually progresses more slowly than acute forms of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Chronic phase: This is the initial phase in which the disease progresses slowly, and symptoms may be mild or even absent. This phase can last for several years with proper treatment. Accelerated phase: The disease progresses faster, and the symptoms become more pronounced. The number of abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow increases. Blast crisis: This is the most advanced stage, resembling acute leukemia. There are a large number of immature white blood cells (blasts) and the disease becomes more difficult to treat. Genetic abnormality:
CML is often associated with a specific genetic abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome. It is the result of a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, creating a new fusion gene called BCR-ABL. This gene produces an abnormal enzyme (tyrosine kinase) that leads to uncontrolled cell growth.
Symptoms:
Fatigue Weight loss Night sweats Fever Pain or feeling of fullness under the ribs (due to an enlarged spleen) Easy bruising or bleeding Frequent infections
Diagnosis:
Blood tests to check for an elevated white blood cell count. Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy. Genetic tests to identify the Philadelphia chromosome or the BCR-ABL gene.
Treatment:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): These drugs specifically target the BCR-ABL protein and are the primary treatment for CML. Examples include imatinib (Gleevec), dasatinib (Sprycel), and nilotinib (Tasigna). Chemotherapy: Used less often, but may be necessary in certain cases, especially in the accelerated or blast phase. Stem cell transplantation: May be considered for younger patients or those unresponsive to TKIs. Interferon therapy: Sometimes used as an alternative treatment.
Prognosis: With the advent of TKIs, the prognosis for CML has improved significantly, and many patients can effectively manage the disease for many years. Regular follow-up and adherence to treatment are key to long-term treatment.
If you suspect you have symptoms of CML or are concerned about your health, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education