Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. Patients with AML usually present with symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, infection, prompting medical attention. An abnormal blood test reading will then result in further testing in a hospital with a hematologist to determine AML.
My dad was newly diagnosed with AML - his WBC is 54. He has chosen no treatment.
I am trying to get an understanding of what to expect during the last few months - will he be in pain? Will he just get weaker and slip away?
I am trying to get an understanding of what to expect during the last few months - will he be in pain? Will he just get weaker and slip away?
I sympathise with you and your family, as I know how devastating these things have been and are to my family. I have certain advantages, in that I had Myelo Dysprasia first, and then it became AML. I have had very high WBC, but never 54. I take, by mouth a daily chemo tablet, called Hydroxicarbamide, plus a few other things like an anti fungal syrup and a pill that avoinds me getting Gout. I always thought that Gout came from drinking too much Port, which I love, so now I have an anti Gout pill, I am thinking of seriously drinking a lot of Port.
The Chemo, has not caused me any problems at all. My hair is all in place, I have no pains or vomiting or anything else. I recommend it. I have refused full blown Chemo, as what suited my condition involved 2 injections daily, for 14 days, then 14 days rest, then start again for atotal of 9 months. Perish the thought. The cure seemed worse than the problem itself!! And there was only a 15% chance it would do any good, or that I would even live to see the end of the treatment. Christopher put his foot down hard. My family supported me.
So now I am on a roll down a hill. I was given 3 to 6 months at the beginning of August. But I am still working, and still enjoying life.
My Haemo Consultants tell me that AMNL will not kill me, but I will be most likely to get some inetrnal infection which they may not be able to cure, so it could be a heart attack, stroke, kidney, liver lungs or internal bleeding (My platelets are at 23) I take Anti Biotics at the first sign of any problem, but over the last six months I have had to have a mastoid operation and I am now totally deaf in that ear; but, and this is important stll alive and enjoying life. I hesitate to prophecy how long I will live, cos I do not want to tempt the fates. But I am determined to lat as long as my body will allow.
So good luck to you, hope my few words may help. If you want, go on to the MyeloDysplasia section, I have written volumes there.
Regards to your Father
Christopher (Chrisjb)
p.s. You should know, I am an awkward Brit in Southern England.
My husband had a WBC of 187000 the day he was diagnosed and it went up to 207000 the next morning in the hospital. His symptoms before diagnosis were of a horrible cold/flu or sinus infection with mouth pain and the start of hallucinations. What usually happens is an opportunistic infection takes over and depending on what that is determines the comfort level of the person. The other thing that happens is platelets go down until your blood can no longer clot. Purple spots appear on you skin & easy bruising happens. I pray for you and your family during this time. I hope I gave you the info you asked for, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Thank You
Kisha Bugg
I'm so sorry that you & your family have to go through this.....Life can be so unfair at times.....How old is your dad? Having gone through Chemo when I was 21 I know how hard it is and I guess when an elderly family member gets ill that it becomes a matter of quality of life .
I have known people with leukemia just get very very tired and simply fade away...which is a nice way to go.....Stay strong ..
.Big Hugs..Jan
Wish me luck!
Chrisjb.