Tanya,
Thank you so much for your input. I feel much calmer know, knowing that we are not the only ones to have needed 2 rounds to get to a full remission.
Also,tomorrow, my only uncle that I have, is going to be tested for a donor. Do you know how long is normally waited for the results? I forgot to ask the doctor today.
I pray to God that he matches and we solve that problem.
hugs to you

Hona -- I did not get into remission on my first induction round. I do not know why they get people's expectations up. They ought to just say -- "Its going to take two rounds" and be done with it. If she was lucky and made it with only one, then fine -- no one would complain. But I know how detatating it was, and I did not have this group back them ... no group at all. And one of the oncs acted like it was the end of the world with a sad face and everything else. Give me a break -- patient's don't need that. Anyway, sorry for going on and on, but I reallyh feel for you and your mom. Just keep the faith and she will be a survivor before long ... she just needs another induction round and all will be well. Get her to stay positive -- all that she has lost is a little time. We are all praying for you and her -- dave

Dave, thank you so much for your positive approach. All the replies in this forum give me so much hope, and fill me with optimism. I pray to God for all of you, and hope that he will listen to my prayers. You are all in my mind.

lots of love to all of you,
Hona

Hona,

They say that 70% of people go into remission on the first try. See, this is why I do not look at numbers. I didn't realize that Dave did not achieve remission on the first go around. I didn't either. They really do set us up for a disappointment. I was at 68% blasts before treatment, went down to 5%, which is just at that border zone, and then, since my oncologist was suspicious, I had a bone marrow a week later and was up to 9%. It seems that everyone that I know has not achieved remission on the first try. So, like everyone else, I think your Mom's response was excellent. I made it on induction 2 and am happy to say that 14 months post transplant, I have 1% blasts and a normal blood count.

Your mother will get there, AND YOU SHOULD BE OPTIMISTIC. Just tell her every day to imagine her horrid leukemia cells being killed off by a seek and destroy mission (that's what I learned from Gilda Radner). This is how Andrea's transplant is going to work. It seems that the 5 star generals are all having affairs, so your Mom and Andrea will be getting chemo instead in preparation for Desert Storm.

I would wish your Mom luck, but she won't need it. God is on her side and that couldn't be more obvious. So put on a smile and know that while you are smiling, the "roadside bombs" are taking out those pesky varmints. See, war is bad....unless it happens for a good purpose, like KILLING those bad cells. It's like the "RAID" commercial. See how those roaches just turn over.

Cliff

Thank you Cliff. There is one more thing that worries me. The doctor said that this is consolidation therapy, but much stronger, that he is giving my mum! Shouldn't he have continued with another round of induction, if she didn't get into full remission? He said, if this one doesn't succeed, which he doubts, he has another one therapy in protocol. I was wondering how many induction and consolidation therapies did you receive? I know there is a protocol he follows, but still I feel confused with all the different approaches I read. He also said that he plans to continue with transplant after this round.
Hona

Hona -- I think it must be part of their training to convey a sense of pessimism -- otherwise I just cannot understand it. I can see why you would not want to promote too much a sense of optimism. But there have been several times when I have felt that they were going way over to the pessimistic side, and I am not sure just why. So, don't let them get you down -- dave

I am new to here..and careing for my wife who is 36 years old and has been fighting stage 4 breast cancer for 4 years ..now she has recently developed thrapy relaed aml...i guess im looking for a few words of encouragement...my brain gets overloaded somtimes

William,

My heart goes out to you and your wife. I have no idea what your wife's doctors are planning for her, so I wont even hazard a guess. What you are going to find here are the nicest "strangers" with whom you have ever corresponded. We have all gone through AML at least, some also breast cancer, and other depressing situations. We are all here to try to tell you that you are not alone. We are here for you and your wife and will never let you down. We are all full of hope, yet we know that each of us cannot let our guards down too long. Please let us know how we can help you. It seems that there is always someone on this site (because some members live as far away as Israel, Australia, and New Zealand). Whenever you want to, give us a try. We have your back.

Cliff

William -- take heart -- both of these are very curable and the odds are with you. Most all of us here are either survivors or related to them, with the exception of the many who are in treatment, most of whom are doing well. So, please read thru the various threads here and you will be encouraged!!! She is going to be OK -- dave

William,
I sometimes wonder why some people go through ne struggle after another. Your wife must be a strong, determined woman with an amazing will to fight and survive. A testament, I say to our family and friends.
I have AML. No prior disease, but I have found nothing but support, love and encouragement on this site and a group of people I call friends.
What treatment is being done at present? I know my husband is often on overload as well.
Those of us on this site believe in cure. We know the struggles, but we are encouraged by those who have taken the road before us and talk us through events.
Let us know what is happening. In thought and prayer.
Andrea

Everyone,

I am in a prayerful mood lately and just want to tell you all that I will be praying for each one of you tomorrow. (It will also take my mind off my own doctor's appointment!)

Love you all,

Cliff

Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well. I would just like join Cliff's mood of praying, and let you know, that not a single day passes by, without me praying to God for your health and cure. May God listen to all our prayers and help us all survive this disease.

AMEN to Cliff and Hona -- this is a wonderful time of the year and demonstrates that our founders and fore-fathers appreciated so much what God gave to them. We look out at the beauty of nature (see my picture) and can see the love of God in that as in all of the universe -- the heavens declare the glory of God. Most of us have had some very hard times recently, but most of us can see ways in which we have been blessed. Let's give God the glory for all good things and thank Him for the blessings of life and the prospects of health that he has given to each one of us. I am praying for all of you -- dave

Wow, beautiful.
I have never been a big fan of the fall until now. It always reminded me that the dreaded winter was on its way. This year, despite the tree falling I to the house and leaves everywhere, I actually enjoyed to forestry behind my home and the colors. I stopped and marveled at the miracle of nature. I also remember looking to the sky and really, as of it were the first time for me, staring in amazement at the moon and its perfect shape.
I know I am taking this journey for a reason. I remember saying once, in the not too distant past while still working, that I had enough friends. I was wrong ! I am thrilled to all each of you friend. I am thrilled to call other survivors I now see in the waiting rooms weekly, friends. I anxiously await the day when I can walk onto the floor and my nurses no longer recognize me because I will have my longer colored hair back, makeup on and a nice outfit as opposed to the sweats I now wear constantly.
Be well all,
Andrea

Andrea,

You are clearly beautiful right now. Beauty exudes from your very soul.

You are always in my prayers. You sound very upbeat tonight, so you must be feeling A-OK.

Cliff