For Azizul Adzhar, a chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) survivor, his journey reflects both the challenges and possibilities of living with a condition that is increasingly managed as a long-term illness.
Azizul’s story began unexpectedly in late 2018, during a routine blood test.
“I went for a routine blood test, and suddenly my whole world changed,” he recalled. “When the diagnosis was confirmed, I felt shock, fear, and confusion. I was healthy, active, and had no known family history of leukaemia. I kept asking myself, ‘How could this happen?”
CML is a slow-progressing blood cancer that often develops quietly, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. For Azizul, the absence of warning signs made the diagnosis even more difficult to process.
The months that followed were physically and emotionally demanding. During the early phase of treatment, Azizul experienced complications that required hospitalisation, and his mobility was temporarily affected.
“At one point, I needed a wheelchair and had to take time off work,” he said. “That was a really testing time for me, both physically and emotionally.”
Beyond the physical toll, the uncertainty of living with a condition he did not fully understand weighed heavily on him.
A turning point came when Azizul began to better understand his condition. “At first, I didn’t really understand what CML was, and that made my fear worse,” he shared. “Once I started learning more, I became less anxious. I came to see that my condition was something I could take control of and move forward with.” He also found strength in community. Through the Max Family Society Malaysia, a patient advocacy group supporting individuals with CML and rare cancers, Azizul connected with others on similar journeys.
“Seeing other patients at different stages of their journey gave me confidence and helped me understand what was possible,” he said. “It gave me reassurance and courage. I knew I wasn’t alone.”
Living well with CML required more than optimism. It demanded discipline. Azizul’s treatment regimen required strict adherence, including fasting before and after each dose of medication. This meant restructuring his daily routine, from sleep to meals. “This meant restructuring my sleep, meals, and daily routine,” he explained. “During Ramadan, it was especially challenging.”
For three consecutive years, he carefully planned his schedule around his treatment, waking early to eat, delaying meals after breaking fast, and aligning his day with prayer times. “It wasn’t easy,” he reflected. “But I knew if I wanted to get better, I had to commit to the routine.”
Over time, he regained confidence in his physical strength, returning to exercise and gradually pushing his limits. “It made me realise that my body was stronger than I thought.”
Despite the challenges, Azizul chose to continue building his life. In 2020, while still undergoing long-term treatment, he made the decision to get married after discussing his condition with his doctor.
“My doctor explained what I needed to know, and I was honest with my wife, then fiancée, from the beginning,” he said. “She understood the treatment routine I needed to follow and supported me unconditionally.”
Having a future to look forward to strengthened his resolve. “Knowing I could still make plans for my future gave me even more motivation to stay on track.”
After four years of consistent treatment and monitoring, Azizul reached a significant milestone. He achieved treatment-free remission (TFR), allowing him to stop daily medication under medical supervision. “When I was told I no longer needed to take daily medication, it felt incredible,” he said. “I immediately called my parents and my wife to share the great news.”
In addition to the emotional relief, stopping treatment also reduced the financial burden associated with long-term care.
Today, Azizul remains under regular monitoring and continues to do well. He has embraced life with renewed purpose. Last October, he completed a 21-kilometre half marathon and is now training for a full marathon.
“For me, finishing the race was symbolic,” he said. “Just like treatment, you won’t get to the finish line without discipline and commitment.” He is also actively supporting others as a member of the Max Family Society Malaysia, sharing his experience with newly diagnosed patients.
“I can’t afford to be afraid anymore,” Azizul said. “I want to lend my strength to new patients. I want them to know that it’s okay to feel scared, but with commitment, support, and the right care, they can live well. TFR is possible!”
According to Dr. Andy Tang Sing Ong, Consultant Haematologist and Transplant Physician, Azizul’s experience reflects the progress made in CML care, but also highlights what is needed to sustain these outcomes. “With appropriate intervention and disease monitoring, most people with CML can have a similar lifespan to non-CML patients,” he said.
“Outcomes for people living with CML depend greatly on access to regular blood tests, including specialised tests that detect changes in the cancer gene, as well as care from experienced specialists and a reliable treatment plan,” he noted.
“Equitable access to treatment, monitoring, and structured care pathways benefits not only patients, but the health system as a whole. This means enhancing early disease control, supporting appropriate TFR adoption, and optimising resource use so that we can improve quality of life while reducing prolonged healthcare costs.”
