There eventually is enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Common to all leukemias are the tendency to bleed and the resultant anemia and increased susceptibility to infection. The diagnosis of leukemia requires confirmation of leukemic cells in the bone marrow by bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.
River Phoenix's autopsy showed deadly levels of cocaine and morphine (heroin shows up as morphine, as it's metabolized by the body), Valium, marijuana and ephedrine. Ephedrine is the main ingredient found in crystal meth. Official cause of death was Acute multiple drug ingestion. River Phoenix was just 23 years old.
Memoir: Musician Bob Forrest in 2011- the former Thelonious Monster frontman has written a new book in which he recounts the untimely death of his friend River Phoenix (right) pictured in 1991. Musician and Actor: River Phoenix was watching his friend Johnny Depp play with his band on the evening of his death. Forrest alleges that as soon as Phoenix and Frusciante arrived, cocaine was immediately passed around, but that the promising actors condition startled him.