Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Leukemia

But his attitude is great and the prognosis is encouraging. Yet another sobering reminder that there is much more to life than what happens on the field or court.

Go get 'em, Kareem.

10 days ago Barnes2JJ 8 comments 1 recs |

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Go get'em Big Fella

by Nestor on Nov 10, 2009 5:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

His decision to go public is because he can help others

That sounds completely in character for Kareem. Coach is undoubtedly proud.

I’m glad this is a treatable condition, and glad he found out early. I have a liver ailment which was caught early and which is under control with oral meds. Bruins (and others), don’t forget the annual physical, which you should start getting used to now. Listen to your uncle Kareem and uncle me.

by Fox 71 on Nov 10, 2009 6:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

All the Best Kareem

We are all behind you.

by bruinbabe2000 on Nov 10, 2009 7:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I wish him the very best.

I lost a cousin to Leukemia and it is going to be a battle, no doubt about it. But he has the heart of a champion, and a positive outlook is a big plus in these kinds of endeavors.

I also want to echo ’71s reminder to get annual physicals. Early detection can make a huge difference not only in stopping life threatening diseases, but also in minimizing the long term impact an illness will have on the body.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Nov 10, 2009 8:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Best wishes to KAJ

Cap was a warrior on the court and I have no doubt he has the mentality to beat this.

by Tydides on Nov 10, 2009 8:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Sad and proud at the same time

It’s unfortunate that Kareem, or anyone, ever has to go through anything like this.

Kareem’s response to fight back with advocacy and public awareness is a true example of a leader and a champion.

greg in denver - UCLA guy for life

by gbruin on Nov 10, 2009 8:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The article mentioned that he's a spokesman for Novartis

So, I’m going to infer that he is currently taking Gleevec, which is an amazing, but very expensive, oral medication for CML. I know quite a few people around Kareem’s age who have been living quite wonderful lives while taking Gleevec daily to control their CML. In fact, one of them has run two marathons this year.

It looks like Kareem has the right attitude and focus in dealing with this, and I’m pleased to see him taking the role of advocate- tho anyone that’s followed the last couple decades of his life wouldn’t expect anything different.

by insomniacslounge on Nov 10, 2009 9:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Best wishes to The Captain

As others have said, it’s important to visit the doctor regularly. Too many men don’t pay attention to the signals that your body sends you. In the LA Times article, Kareem mentioned that he started to feel strange, so he knew he should get checked out. Early detection for something like this is key.

by Westwood Wizard on Nov 10, 2009 10:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs