Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group

Hello. We just received the shocking news that my mother-in-law has leukemia, and I think it is the AML type. She is very active and healthy, and survived a early stage breast cancer about 5 years ago, so this is a big shock and upset to all of us. I am especially close to her because I don't have a mother myself, and I feel very helpless and want to help. Unfortunately I am across the country right now, so I am not there with her in person, but I would really appreciate any advice you can give me on how to support her from afar, and if there is anything I could send her - books, gifts, things for the hospital? I hope to visit her in the next week or two, and my husband and his siblings were there this weekend. She had a lot of tests done and the results come back this week, but they already know its a fast-moving type and she will be in the hospital for at least the next month. She starts treatment (chemo?) tomorrow, and over the weekend the doctors have been giving her infusions to strengthen her system to start the treatment.

I apologize for not knowing all the medical details yet, but I just feel so hopeless and lost and would love to cheer her up if I can by sending gifts, or books, or letters, etc. Please, anyone who has been through this, can you share with me what comforted you from your family and friends during this time? Thank you very much for any thoughts.
Posted on 06/29/08, 08:06 pm