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//  Saturday, July 31, 2010

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Diagnosed with Leukemia

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Posted by Denise Jimenez

The NBA's all time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia which he was diagnosed with in December of last year. 

He became concerned last year after feeling different than usual, which included sweating on a regular basis and feeling too many hot flashes. he then went to UCLA to take some tests which revealed that his his white blood cell count was "sky high" and a doctor quickly diagnosed his condition, chronic myeloid leukemia he told the Associated Press on Monday.

"I was scared," he said. "I thought it was all the same. I thought it could mean I have a month to live."

However, as a long time martial arts student, he decided to take the approach of a Samuri and face death without fear. In addition, his doctor informed him that there was a good chance that he wouldn't have to make any drastic changes to his lifestyle. The doctor also told him that CML was treatable with proper medication and monitoring.

The 62-year-old NBA legend is taking an oral medication for the disease as well as participating as a spokesman for the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, which makes a drug that treats the illness.

"I've never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives," he said in a midtown Manhattan conference room. ""There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life."

Since the diagnosis he has not stopped being an active assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers and said he hasn't had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet.

Abdul-Jabbar intends to post updates to his Facebook and Twitter accounts and stay connected through www.CMLearth.com, a Web site for those afflicted by the disease.

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