What is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia AML

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. The median age of patients with AML is 70; it is rare among ...

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Advice:
Caregiver perspective
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Hi all,

My world changed exactly one month ago when my sister was diagnosed all of sudden with AML.
In this first month, I have learnt more about the term leukemia than I could have ever imagined or asked for. I was at the hospital with her in the first 3 weeks and this is the most difficult period I have ever experienced in my life, and obviously in my sister's life. As a very close caregiver, I am doing my best to support my sister as well as my family, but I am struggling as I am the her closest family member and my sister and I leave in a different country than the rest of my family. I am extremely confused with her physical transformation, it is not shocking at all but I just feel powerless. I have difficulties sleeping as I am afraid I might miss out something that I need to do for her or that I am not there with her when needed. After 3 weeks, I have came back to work and it has helped me slightly as it is a place that keeps my mind away from all this situation.
As a caregiver, I have a lot of questions, especially on how can we, caregivers, make sure that we are doing the right thing. I am confused on which topics I can talk to my sister, as I wouldn't want to her to block her communication with me. Sometimes I feel angry as I don't understand how can a perfectly normal and active person all of a sudden face such a serious condition. I am mostly looking for people who are/have been in the same situation, as a family member of a patient with AML, as I find it difficult for other people to understand my situation.
All the advises are very much appreciated.

Cheers
Posted on 04/10/09, 10:04 am
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Reply #1 - 04/11/09  3:16am
" Hi all,

One of my family members pointed me out to this pdf for caregivers that I think might help someone else too. I have read part of it and it seems to match what I am feeling.

The link is:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics...

I re-read my previous post and I just realized how many typos I have made on my first post, sorry for that! I guess being tired can have some influence!

I am still looking forward any reply I can get on this.

Thanks "
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Reply #2 - 04/21/09  3:53pm
" Unfortunately, my dear sister passed away last week as she didn't resist the first cycle of chemeo. My world changed once again and sadly to much poorer..
All the best to everyone, "
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Reply #3 - 04/21/09  5:31pm
" So sorry for your loss. My husband was admitted to the hospital with complications after his 7th round of chemo on April 10th when you posted, and he just got discharged yesterday. Everyone on this site would have loved to help you. If you still need to vent let us know. :) "
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Reply #4 - 04/22/09  3:33am
" thank you for much for your reply.
I hope your husband recovers soon and that the treatment is going smoothly.
Well as for my loss, there is a lot to tell and unfortunately nothing else I can do. I really did what I could but in these cases the power is not in our hands.. I love my sister, we grew up together and lived together abroad and she passed away at 28. As a younger sister, I feel completely lost as she was my mentor and sometimes even a mother to me..

The chemeo and all the medication was extreme for her, she has always been very skinny and we were afraid her body structure wouldnt allow to stand such thing, and we were right. She had brain complication and was operated in Intensive Care for brain decompression but nothing worked.
I have to go but keep posting here for help.

thanks, "

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