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 husband Russ AML that was diagnosed in February is back after one round of chemo in March.
Oncologist told us last Tuesday 16th that the chemo would only make him worse and that he suggested we do nothing. My husband is feeling o.k. right now but platelets were down to 9,000. We would rather him feel good for as long as possible and the chemo will not help him anyway. He said he could live for months.
Please keep us in your prayers and any support for us would be appreciated.
Oncologist told us last Tuesday 16th that the chemo would only make him worse and that he suggested we do nothing. My husband is feeling o.k. right now but platelets were down to 9,000. We would rather him feel good for as long as possible and the chemo will not help him anyway. He said he could live for months.
Please keep us in your prayers and any support for us would be appreciated.
I know the feeling but do not give up hope. We will pray for your husband. Now how old is your husband? what type of AML he has the FAB? do you know? can you look for a second opinion? My mom was in the same situation and right now she is full remission. We will pray for you and your husband.
Debbie
We have had cases like this on this list where those who were given weeks lived for years. Please see the Alternative Treatments thread -- it is in the top ten of the list of threads when you click on AML under My Support Groups in the left column. I think you will find it interesting -- again no guarantees but different things work for different people. We will all be praying for Russ and for your entire family -- daveB
Prayers to you and your family,
Katotina
This info is from Cancer.org. When dxd, my med team went over the info below with me in a booklet provided by the lymphoma& leukemia association. the M classification FAB is an older version of subtype with the cytogenic and mutation info below being more recent classification. The bottom line is if you have a favorable subtype with no mutations, chemo only is the usual treatment. Intermediate risk can go either way (meaning chemo or SCT) based upon the med teams assessment to include the patience co-morbidities.
Cytogenetics
AML is also classified by the cytogenetic, or chromosome, changes found in the leukemia cells. Sometimes the doctor can find these changes by looking at the chromosomes in dividing cells under the microscope, while other changes can be found only with very specific molecular tests that can recognize very small changes in the DNA.
Certain chromosomal changes are closely matched with the morphology of the AML cells. More importantly, the chromosomal changes help doctors determine the best treatment options because these changes can sometimes predict how well intensive treatment will work. Chromosomal changes are commonly grouped according to the likelihood that treatment will work against the subtype of AML. (Note: all chromosomes are numbered from one to 22; sex chromosomes are called X or Y. The letters p and q refer to the arms or specific areas of the chromosome.)
Some of the most common chromosomal changes are grouped as follows:
Favorable. Chromosomal changes associated with more successful treatment include abnormalities of chromosome 16 at bands p13 and q22 [t(16;16)inv(16)(p13q22)], a translocation (exchange of genetic material) between chromosomes 8 and 21 [t(8;21)].
Intermediate. Changes associated with a less favorable prognosis include normal chromosomes, where no changes are found and a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 11 [t(9;11)]. Many other subtypes are considered part of this group, particularly those with one or more specific molecular changes. Sometimes, extra copies of chromosome 8 or trisomy 8 may be classified as intermediate risk over unfavorable (see below).
Unfavorable. Examples of chromosomal changes that are associated with less successful treatment or with a low chance of curing the AML include extra copies of chromosomes 8 or 13 [for example, trisomy 8 (+8)], deletion of all or part of chromosomes 5 or 7, complex change on many chromosomes, and changes to chromosome 3 at band q26.
Molecular changes
Mutations in genes that are too small to be seen with a microscope and cannot be found with cytogenetic tests have been found using tests called molecular assays. For example, patients with changes in the NPM1 or CEBPalpha genes have a better long-term outcome, while chemotherapy (see the Treatment Options section) does not work as well for patients with changes in the FLT3 gene. Therefore, testing for these changes at diagnosis helps determine a patients treatment options.
Many do not know their sub-type. Where I am treated it was a huge focus from day one; although, I met many there who were not informed I'm sure by choice. I must caveat all this info with the fact that I have only received info from my team and this site. I do not research online. I had M4-Inversion 16 (favorable) without the CKIT and FLT3 mutation thus chemo only. As part of my follow-up, bi-monthy, I have a PCR test that looks for any chromosomal signs of the Inversion 16. Not everyone with AML has a chromosomal change but for those that do, a PCR test is more definitive that blood work. I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Julie