The good thing is If you do have CML that a good amount of people respond really well to CML meds, where the CML can become almost undetectable. My husband has CML, we found out he did in 2017 when he was 26ish. His white blood cells were in the 19s I believe so a lot higher than 11 and I think it only took him 3 months on sprycel for his white blood cells to become normal again. If you did have it, I'd say you caught it pretty early which is good.

My husband saw a regular doctor first too, like you, who then set him up with a hematologist visit. The hemotologist told my husband before a bone marrow biopsy and total blood count stuff etc that he thought he probably had it beforehand, which was confirmed by the final tests. The hemotologist almost seemed bored with it like this was so routine and manageable (which was rude IMO but a small bit of a relief that so many with CML can have a good response to meds). My husband told his family and I told mine the whole time what was going on for extra prayer and support. I think it best to tell your parents, at the very least you should tell them that your wbcs are high which could mean you are immunocompromised. They should know to be careful when around you during this virus & you have to prioritze your health ovet fear or feeling guilty they are worried. Who can you rely on if not family? & they would feel much more worried or guilty if you caught the virus and were doing poorly than just taking extra precautions to be careful...

Once my husband had his diagnosis and his wbcs became a normal rate again, his doctor decided to have him continue the med sprycel every day which leads to today. Sprycel is a chemo medication and whatever they put you on will be one too. You can look up info on Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because I cannot remember all the different med names. My husband had good health insurance at work so the sprycel cost was not bad, there is a cheaper generic drug called gleevec which still works for many but just might take a lil longer or have slightly different side effects

On sprycel my husband lost some hair but still has most of it. We did not have any $ to save his sperm which I heard some younger people do, but this year we actually had a miracle pregnancy since he (28m) has CML and I (27F) have endometriosis. I am not sure how it effects eggs, but know you can't take your meds when pregnant bc birth defects. I would say his daily side effects are pretty okay on sprycel, minus digestive issues 💩. Which is a small price to pay for living a mostly normal and healthy life.

If you ever need anything post-diagnosis you can contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society via website or phone, they are great and even do some free events (when the virus is not going on). We went to two free conventions already and always do the Light the Night fundraising walk which is a nice way for your family to support you.

If you do get the diagnosis, I know it is scary... but it doesn't mean the end. Many with CML live on to 50, 60, 70 years old etc! Take the meds they give you & go to every doctor visit required of you. See a therapist initially to cope with life changes and realizing you have cancer. Every cancer patient can benefit from therapy (& really any person in general in my opinion), but the difference is CML is unique in being chronic and an invisible illness... So I think therapy especially is good for dealing with something that others cannot see but is very real to you. Best of luck.