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.
Dearest All,
I sometimes struggle with sharing milestones such as this with this amazing group as so many are in the midst of the fight for their life against this heinous disease. And then I remember how helpless and uninformed I was at initial DX over three years ago. Knowing intuitively that random web searches would leave me devastated. I tentatively posted on a very low traffic blood cancer forum and by the grace of God connected with Dave Brown.
As always, he was optimistic and welcoming and diverted me here. This support group has been my solace in many, many storms. I am acutely aware that my storms have been miniscule compared to the majority here and for that I have no explanation.
But one thing I know, many lurk here and never post. Many need to see good news as well as the reality of the hardship AML is to many, so I share my amazing news in hopes that it may encourage others.
This month I am in initial remission from AML for three that's 3 years!!!
This is one of the positives about AML, remission of three years is a very important milestone and I am embracing it! Relapse at this point is very very rare. I believe for SCT, the important milestone is 30 months.
We occasionally talk here about survival guilt and coupled with that may be easy AML journey guilt. I definitely have that. But as I am a servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, I embrace my role-my purpose. To encourage, to pray and to demonstrate that not all who are DXd with this demon have a rough time. In fact, other than slow count recovery between consolidation sessions which earned me extra BMBs, my path has really been smooth.
I was not ill at DX nor have I had a single illness or infection or fever throughout-really. This weekend was the first cold I have had in over five years. Others out there need to know this is a possibility.
AML has enriched my life, made it more meaningful, made me put this existence in perspective. Life here is fleeting and short but eternity is just that eternal. At DX, ALL I could think about was my precious daughters-8, 10 and 12 at the time. Would I have the opportunity to raise them (most importantly) to love God and accept the free (priceless) gift of salvation offered to any and all.
Almighty God (for reasons I will not understand this side of Heaven) has granted me three glorious years with the love of my life and my precious daughters. My life is more abundant and meaningful than it would ever have been without the life changing DX of cancer. I am now teaching my 15 year old to drive, attending all of their events possible and trying (and failing) to be a better Christian, wife and mommy each and every day.
When DXd I worked for the Air Force as a civilian in a Management position. Another miracle from God, the AF allowed me to telework one month after DX for almost one year. Just last week I was promoted to the highest civilian rank, something I never imagined prior to AML. Post AML, all things are possible because once you face down an adversary like AML-all things are possible.
I often visit the Lymphoma Leukemia Society support groups and in particular the CML group which is extremely active and well informed. I think I gravitate there because I remember wishing I had CML. Recently the group was lamenting about how hard the CML journey is. The prideful side of me wanted to jump in and tell them the real hardship many with AML have encountered, especially those who have lost the fight that I loved-Ed, Andrea, Larissa, just to name a few. Then after prayer, I realized all struggles are hard and who are we to judge which is harder. Many CMLers deal with horrible side effects caused by the TKIs they take so who am I to judge.
What I know to be fact, is this group is FULL of warriors! People I am blessed to call friends. I have been embraced, loved, prayed for and occasional set straight by you. I am so privileged to call you friends. And more so to share in your journey(s) and to be blessed to pray for you daily. I love you all!
Blessings & XOXOX,
Julie
I sometimes struggle with sharing milestones such as this with this amazing group as so many are in the midst of the fight for their life against this heinous disease. And then I remember how helpless and uninformed I was at initial DX over three years ago. Knowing intuitively that random web searches would leave me devastated. I tentatively posted on a very low traffic blood cancer forum and by the grace of God connected with Dave Brown.
As always, he was optimistic and welcoming and diverted me here. This support group has been my solace in many, many storms. I am acutely aware that my storms have been miniscule compared to the majority here and for that I have no explanation.
But one thing I know, many lurk here and never post. Many need to see good news as well as the reality of the hardship AML is to many, so I share my amazing news in hopes that it may encourage others.
This month I am in initial remission from AML for three that's 3 years!!!
This is one of the positives about AML, remission of three years is a very important milestone and I am embracing it! Relapse at this point is very very rare. I believe for SCT, the important milestone is 30 months.
We occasionally talk here about survival guilt and coupled with that may be easy AML journey guilt. I definitely have that. But as I am a servant of my Lord Jesus Christ, I embrace my role-my purpose. To encourage, to pray and to demonstrate that not all who are DXd with this demon have a rough time. In fact, other than slow count recovery between consolidation sessions which earned me extra BMBs, my path has really been smooth.
I was not ill at DX nor have I had a single illness or infection or fever throughout-really. This weekend was the first cold I have had in over five years. Others out there need to know this is a possibility.
AML has enriched my life, made it more meaningful, made me put this existence in perspective. Life here is fleeting and short but eternity is just that eternal. At DX, ALL I could think about was my precious daughters-8, 10 and 12 at the time. Would I have the opportunity to raise them (most importantly) to love God and accept the free (priceless) gift of salvation offered to any and all.
Almighty God (for reasons I will not understand this side of Heaven) has granted me three glorious years with the love of my life and my precious daughters. My life is more abundant and meaningful than it would ever have been without the life changing DX of cancer. I am now teaching my 15 year old to drive, attending all of their events possible and trying (and failing) to be a better Christian, wife and mommy each and every day.
When DXd I worked for the Air Force as a civilian in a Management position. Another miracle from God, the AF allowed me to telework one month after DX for almost one year. Just last week I was promoted to the highest civilian rank, something I never imagined prior to AML. Post AML, all things are possible because once you face down an adversary like AML-all things are possible.
I often visit the Lymphoma Leukemia Society support groups and in particular the CML group which is extremely active and well informed. I think I gravitate there because I remember wishing I had CML. Recently the group was lamenting about how hard the CML journey is. The prideful side of me wanted to jump in and tell them the real hardship many with AML have encountered, especially those who have lost the fight that I loved-Ed, Andrea, Larissa, just to name a few. Then after prayer, I realized all struggles are hard and who are we to judge which is harder. Many CMLers deal with horrible side effects caused by the TKIs they take so who am I to judge.
What I know to be fact, is this group is FULL of warriors! People I am blessed to call friends. I have been embraced, loved, prayed for and occasional set straight by you. I am so privileged to call you friends. And more so to share in your journey(s) and to be blessed to pray for you daily. I love you all!
Blessings & XOXOX,
Julie
What beautifully expressed sentiments. No one would ever choose to get AML, but like you, so many of us have learned so much about ourselves and have become better people as a result. And yes, we have realized the role that God has had in our journeys. You brought tears to my eyes, not only through your insightful words, but also through your recalling Ed, Andrea, and Larissa. Let's not forget Ollie, who was not a religious person, but who was spiritual nonetheless. Julie, I also appreciated your acknowledgment of Dave Brown, whose unfettered love of the Lord has been an inspiration to so many of us. He has taught me so much. And finally, please don't leave the name Julie (yes you, Ms. Noodle65) out of the mix. What a blessing all of the warriors on DS have been to all of us who have traveled this rutted road. God Bless You all.
Cliff
Margaret
You are all in my prayers which I honestly did not do on a regular basis before AML entered my life.
Hugs
Karen
Love you
Lea