I believe that I cantracted hairy cell leukemia when I was very sick in 2005 I had potasium drip in one arm and rehydration fluid on another arm and I felt I was on my death bed. My white blood cell count was very, very low. I had blood tests every 4 hours and I was getting so fatigued because of so much blood tests that it began to put a strain on my arteries around my heart. I used to feel very faint and very light headed. My memory started to fade and it has affeced me still a little bit but I am managing it. I will never forget evry time the potasium stores were building me back up when I would bleed it out of the rear end. I was in hospital for 4 months. The day I finally came out of hospital I was so tired and exhausted I had no energy what so ever.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment3 Comments
Hello Wizzy
You can die from almost anything, but hairy cell leukemia tends to be more of an ongoing, chronic illness than an aggressive fatal cancer. We have information on this: http://www.empowher.com/condition/hairy-cell-leukemia, as does Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hairy-cell-leukemia/DS00673.
As far as the low potassium, that does make you feel like death. I have personally experienced that and it is an awful feeling. I'm glad you are not feeling like that any longer.
I will guess that our cancer specialist may reply to you as well, and if you have further questions, please let us know. Thank you for writing.
June 29, 2010 - 6:53amThis Comment
yes u can die from hairy cell i lost my husband dec 6,2009 from hcl
October 13, 2010 - 12:37pmwizzy989 - Hairy cell leukemia is a very rare condition, so I'm wondering what has caused you to ask about this particular cancer ? To confirm or rule this out you would need to undergo some diagnostic tests, starting with a blood test and then most likely proceeding to a bone marrow biopsy if your blood test indicates abnormalities. If you are seriously concerned about having any of the leukemias then you should have a blood test done.
barbnjamie is correct, you can die from hairy cell leukemia, but there are also patients who are successfully treated. In any case, you would be best advised to get tested to determine exactly what's causing your symptoms and to get the treatment you need to feel better. Please let us know what you learn, and if we can help you further.
October 13, 2010 - 6:09pmPat