Diagnosis & Risk Factors

Doctors typically diagnose AML with:

◆ Blood tests (complete blood count)

◆ Bone marrow biopsy

◆ Genetic testing (to detect mutations such as FLT3, IDH1/2, etc.)

Risk factors include:

◆ Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment

◆ Exposure to chemicals like benzene

◆ Pre-existing blood disorders

◆ Genetic mutations

A Story of Courage: Understanding Myeloid Leukemia Through Zuza Beine's Legacy

Introduction

Myeloid leukemia, and particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), represents one of the aggressive cancers of the blood. Although it occurs more frequently among adults, it may also impact children—something the world has witnessed through Zuza Beine's life, a 14-year-old social influencer who documented her AML fight.

Zuza’s candor raised awareness of a rare pediatric illness as much as it educated millions about the value of resilience, gratitude, and hope. Here, we explore what myeloid leukemia is, how Zuza Beine’s experience sheds an insight into both the medical and emotional realities of the condition, and what the medical community and the populace at large can learn from her experience.

Myeloid Leukemia Definition

Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML is a form of leukaemia affecting the myeloid line of blood cells.

Instead of progressing as typical, immature blast cells build up in the bone marrow and blood.

Overcrowding prevents the formation of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Typical AML symptoms are:

◆ Persistent fatigue

◆ Easy bruising or bleeding

◆ Pseudomembr

◆ Bone or joint pain

◆ Gum swelling or skin lesions

Zuza Beine’s Experience: Courage Against Myeloid Leuk

Childhood Diagnosis

Zuza was diagnosed with AML at age 3½. Over the following ten years, she developed:

• Five relapses

• Three bone marrow transplants

• Multiple rounds of chemotherapy

Despite this, she continued blogging about her life and inspiring thousands with her courage.

Conclusion

Myeloid leukemia remains an aggressive cancer—but stories like Zuza Beine’s put a face of humanity next to the diagnosis. Bravery, candor, and her final note of gratitude continue to inspire millions worldwide.

While the medical community works towards developing treatment breakthroughs, society at large can commemorate Zuza’s memory through awareness raising, family support and advocating more funds into child cancers research.

Her story has a lesson: regardless of how much one endures, hope and perseverance can conquer.

Learn more about AML at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Social Media & Advocacy

Zuza posted on Instagram and TikTok:

• Physical pain and treatment-related side effects

• The emotional cost of relapses

• She enjoys simple things—family and friends and food and animals

Her last viral video with the topic “Be grateful for the little things” became a symbol of her vision of the world.

Legacy & Impact

Zuza passed away in September 2025 at a tender age of only 14. Her frankness has raised global debates about:

• Childhood cancer awareness

• Gratitude and Relationships

• Supporting young patients and their families

Precautions and Health Advice for Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Even though treatment with medical therapy (chemotherapy, target therapy, and bone marrow transplantations) constitutes the backbone of AML therapy, lifestyle changes are paramount in achieving optimized quality of life and reducing complications.

1. Infection Prevention

• AML patients are often faced with lowered immune systems and potentially severe infections. These are as follows:

• Hand hygiene practice

• Dodging crowded areas during low immunity days

• Wearing a mask as needed

• Keeping good food hygiene (not eating raw or undercooked foods)

2. Rest and Energy Management

• Fatigue is common among AML patients. These are wellness tips:

• Resting and napping through priority

• Light exercise (as tolerated) for improved energy and mood

• Breaking down day-to-day tasks into little steps

3. Stress & Mental Health Care

• Chemotherapeutic treatments of cancer cause anxiety and depression. Assistance with:

• Talk therapy

• Support groups (online or face-to-face)

• Meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling

Nutrition of Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Nutrition makes an individual remain robust, aid immunity in addition to increasing tolerance to therapy.

Recommended Foods:

• Protein sources: eggs, poultry, fish, pulses, legumes

• Foods high in copper: lean beef, lean pork, turkey breasts

• Vegetables and fruit: peeled and thoroughly washed to eliminate infection risks

• Entire grains: oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa for steady energy

• Hydration: water, herbal teas, broths to stay hydrated

Foods to Avoid:

• Raw or undercooked meats, seafood, or eggs

• Pasteurized milk

• Raw sprouts or unwashed vegetables

• Sugary drinks and ultra-processed junk foods

• Supplements & Guidance

• Vitamin D, B12, and folate are often required and should always be doctor-approved.

• Do not use herbal supplements until medical counseling; may interfere with chemotherapy.

Lessons from Zuza’s Experience

Medical & Emotional

• Relapses are frequent in AML: Even with successful treatment, the risk remains high.

• Palliative care makes a difference: Pain and quality-of-life relief are as important as treatment.

• Mental health resources are of primary importance: Emotional resilience can bolster patient and family coping.

• Advocacy counts: Social media can convert one individual's experience into a movement of awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you differentiate acute myeloid leukemia from chronic myeloid leukemia?

AML develops rapidly and requires immediate treatment, while CML develops slowly and at times may be manageable with drugs that target specific cells.

2. Can children get myeloid leukemia?

Yes. While AML is most common among adults, it can also occur among children and has a more aggressive course.

3. What are the leading AML treatments?

Therapy involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.

4. How common is relapse in AML?

Genetic predisposition and treatment response define relapse risk. Relapses are frequent with aggressive varieties.

5. How can families assist a child with AML?

With emotional support, clear communication, pain control, and interfacing with other families through cancer support networks.

6. How can citizens support combat AML?

By giving to research into childhood cancer, raising awareness through campaigns and sharing patient stories like Zuza’s.

7. Can nutrition cure myeloid leukemia?
No. Nutrition supports wellness and strengthens the body, but AML requires medical treatment like chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants.

8. What is the best diet during chemotherapy for AML?
A neutropenic diet—avoiding raw foods and focusing on cooked, safe meals—is often recommended to reduce infection risk. Always consult a dietitian.