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.
Dear All,
I am so utterly grateful to almighty God that 2 years ago today I completed the final consolidation (of four) treatments for Inversion 16 AML. I have been in remission for 31 months-praise God! My consolidation took 8 months, twice as long as advertised, due to slow platelet recovery. I teleworked full-time two months after DX and returned to work, in person, full time 1 year after DX. I also have a part time job teaching Master's classes and I'm raising three daughters-ages 11, 13 and 15. I share all of this not to boast or brag but rather to let newly DXd out there know there is hope for a normal life after AML. To celebrate, my family took a three plus week vacation to 10 countries in Europe this summer and I climbed the Eiffel tower, the Spanish steps, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Zugspitze and the Tower of London! I feel fabulous! My overall physical health today has improved tremendously since DX.
Spiritually, I am a new person in Christ because of AML. Although a born-again Christian at DX, I never truly ever relied completely on God. I never had to because I had led a blessed life with no real trails to force me to truly fully surrender to my Redeemer and Healer-Jesus Christ. AML gave me a gift. The blessed assurance that no matter what tomorrow holds, I know WHO holds tomorrow. During the darkest days of Induction, while isolated in my room prior to knowing my prognosis, I cried out to my Savior and HE comforted me like no other. God gave me peace in the eye of the storm. I begged and pleaded for some time (only months) to be with my girls. Most of us can relate to that feeling of not knowing if you will make it out of the Induction phase. I begged and pleaded for more time with my precious girls and my husband. Now looking back, I am amazed at how much goodness has come from this experience.
Emotionally, I still struggle with fear of relapse. It saddens me to realize that so many of my peers that began the Chemo only journey like Tony (Lea's hubby) Scoot Gotee, Steve Kazoo, Abby, and Andy have now had to travel the SCT path. But I know there is hope and a cure for AML whether it be through SCT or Chemo. I believe God has cured me and I hold on to that every day. Thank you all for praying for me and supporting me through the highs and lows of this journey. May God bless us all.
Julie
I am so utterly grateful to almighty God that 2 years ago today I completed the final consolidation (of four) treatments for Inversion 16 AML. I have been in remission for 31 months-praise God! My consolidation took 8 months, twice as long as advertised, due to slow platelet recovery. I teleworked full-time two months after DX and returned to work, in person, full time 1 year after DX. I also have a part time job teaching Master's classes and I'm raising three daughters-ages 11, 13 and 15. I share all of this not to boast or brag but rather to let newly DXd out there know there is hope for a normal life after AML. To celebrate, my family took a three plus week vacation to 10 countries in Europe this summer and I climbed the Eiffel tower, the Spanish steps, the leaning tower of Pisa, the Zugspitze and the Tower of London! I feel fabulous! My overall physical health today has improved tremendously since DX.
Spiritually, I am a new person in Christ because of AML. Although a born-again Christian at DX, I never truly ever relied completely on God. I never had to because I had led a blessed life with no real trails to force me to truly fully surrender to my Redeemer and Healer-Jesus Christ. AML gave me a gift. The blessed assurance that no matter what tomorrow holds, I know WHO holds tomorrow. During the darkest days of Induction, while isolated in my room prior to knowing my prognosis, I cried out to my Savior and HE comforted me like no other. God gave me peace in the eye of the storm. I begged and pleaded for some time (only months) to be with my girls. Most of us can relate to that feeling of not knowing if you will make it out of the Induction phase. I begged and pleaded for more time with my precious girls and my husband. Now looking back, I am amazed at how much goodness has come from this experience.
Emotionally, I still struggle with fear of relapse. It saddens me to realize that so many of my peers that began the Chemo only journey like Tony (Lea's hubby) Scoot Gotee, Steve Kazoo, Abby, and Andy have now had to travel the SCT path. But I know there is hope and a cure for AML whether it be through SCT or Chemo. I believe God has cured me and I hold on to that every day. Thank you all for praying for me and supporting me through the highs and lows of this journey. May God bless us all.
Julie
Congratulations on a huge milestone! It is always great to hear survivor stories, but it is especially uplifting now while I gladly accept every ounce of inspiration to get through this transplant. I look forward to climbing the Zugspitze too in the not too distant future. I've tried twice but never made it to the top because of weather.
John
:) Julie
Sorry to be such a downer on your thread Julie, I am glad you are doing well, and you are fulfilling what I believe is all of us as survivors have an obligation to do, living your life to it's fullest, and having a direct impact on your community, and to the lord.
DaveJ
Andy
Dave,
You are absolutely not a downer. I do understand survivors guilt. AML is so much harder for children and teens, prognosis is pretty bleak. I gave up trying to understand why certain things happen and try to focus on how I can honor the second chance I've been given.
My number one priority is raising my girls with the love of Christ. Second, I truly have a heart for people fighting cancer, especially Aml. I certainly do not chock any of this to luck or happenstance. God sends the rain to fall on the just and the unjust.Matthew 5:45. I want the vapor that is my life, no matter if I live another 30 years, it is still a vapor compared to eternity. I try to help others and remind them of the most important fact. God loves and cares for all of us, no matter what we do. His love is relentless.
I'm praying for all of us. For almighty God's continued grace and mercy
Blessings
Julie
Karen
I am so happy for you, and your beautiful family. I know what this day means to you. Rejoice
Love
Lea