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.
Good morning, all -
You all have been so supportive and kind in sharing your experience of AML, I thought I would give an update as to where things stand today. First, after much angst, Dad has made peace, it seems, with the idea of the transplant.
In the end, it came down to the pretty simple realization that for him, chemo alone would almost certainly bring relapse, and that SCT offers his best hope of long-term survival. The team at Dana Farber says that we do have a donor (a 21 year old male), and that the plan is to complete the SCT in the next 3-4 weeks. It is not clear whether another consolidation treatment will be necessary before then - Dad is in remission now. A BMB was done on Friday of last week - hoping for at least preliminary results today or tomorrow. He is at Brigham & Women's today for a kidney biopsy - an MRI some weeks back did show a spot that (angiomyolipoma?) is thought to be a benign tumor there. Obviously, that needs to be confirmed before he proceeds further.
We also did lots of reading, and found the article below to be particularly relevant for our situation.
To Transplant or Not to Transplant
for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia:
An Ever-Evolving Decision
Aaron T. Gerds, MD, MS, and Frederick R. Appelbaum, MD
from the journal: Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology Volume 10, Issue 10 October 2012
For now, he is feeling pretty well. We were able to spend Easter together as a family, which was just wonderful. Of course he tires pretty easily, and every so often feels "cancer-y" - but for the most part, is doing well. He has not had to have a transfusion in 3 weeks, I think.
Anyway - worried though we are about what might be the complications associated with the SCT, we are hopeful that because a few (key) things have gone well thus far (tolerated chemo, achieved remission, found a donor, etc.), that he/we can weather what's ahead, too.
All the best,
Robin
You all have been so supportive and kind in sharing your experience of AML, I thought I would give an update as to where things stand today. First, after much angst, Dad has made peace, it seems, with the idea of the transplant.
In the end, it came down to the pretty simple realization that for him, chemo alone would almost certainly bring relapse, and that SCT offers his best hope of long-term survival. The team at Dana Farber says that we do have a donor (a 21 year old male), and that the plan is to complete the SCT in the next 3-4 weeks. It is not clear whether another consolidation treatment will be necessary before then - Dad is in remission now. A BMB was done on Friday of last week - hoping for at least preliminary results today or tomorrow. He is at Brigham & Women's today for a kidney biopsy - an MRI some weeks back did show a spot that (angiomyolipoma?) is thought to be a benign tumor there. Obviously, that needs to be confirmed before he proceeds further.
We also did lots of reading, and found the article below to be particularly relevant for our situation.
To Transplant or Not to Transplant
for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia:
An Ever-Evolving Decision
Aaron T. Gerds, MD, MS, and Frederick R. Appelbaum, MD
from the journal: Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology Volume 10, Issue 10 October 2012
For now, he is feeling pretty well. We were able to spend Easter together as a family, which was just wonderful. Of course he tires pretty easily, and every so often feels "cancer-y" - but for the most part, is doing well. He has not had to have a transfusion in 3 weeks, I think.
Anyway - worried though we are about what might be the complications associated with the SCT, we are hopeful that because a few (key) things have gone well thus far (tolerated chemo, achieved remission, found a donor, etc.), that he/we can weather what's ahead, too.
All the best,
Robin
I just read on another thread that you lost your dad two weeks ago. I have not been on this site much lately; I apologize for the delay in sending you my condolences. Your dad and my husband, David, were diagnosed within a few months of one another and I always appreciated your insightful posts and your research. How gracious of you, in the midst of your grief, to continue to post your kind and encouraging words for others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Myra
I too wish to offer my deepest sympathy. I will proud very hard this Holy Week for your family.
Majella