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.
I am truly seeking your perspectives/experience. Thank the good Lord, at day 27, my ANC and HCT is finally recovering from consolidation #3. My platelets, well that is always another story. My question to all of you is in regard to your AriC dose, especially if you are chemo only.
My treatment plan has always been for four consolidation sessions with a dose of 3 (what measurement I am not sure). After my counts (platelets) took 72 days to climb to 96 folowing consolidation #1, my med team decided to lower my dose to two. With a lowered dose, my platelets still took 57 days to get to 92. Consolidation three dose was lowered to 1.5 (the dose protocol used for all consolidation patience over 60 by my med team, I am 48 but must have 60 year old bone marrow).
Within the next few weeks, my med team will determine if I can have my fourth consolidation. I really want this final treatment, especially considering I have had lower doses of AriC. I know many of you have had three consolidation treatments and have maintained long-term remission. My concern is lower dose coupled with one less chemo session.
Thank you in advance for any and all perspectives!
Blessings,
Julie
My treatment plan has always been for four consolidation sessions with a dose of 3 (what measurement I am not sure). After my counts (platelets) took 72 days to climb to 96 folowing consolidation #1, my med team decided to lower my dose to two. With a lowered dose, my platelets still took 57 days to get to 92. Consolidation three dose was lowered to 1.5 (the dose protocol used for all consolidation patience over 60 by my med team, I am 48 but must have 60 year old bone marrow).
Within the next few weeks, my med team will determine if I can have my fourth consolidation. I really want this final treatment, especially considering I have had lower doses of AriC. I know many of you have had three consolidation treatments and have maintained long-term remission. My concern is lower dose coupled with one less chemo session.
Thank you in advance for any and all perspectives!
Blessings,
Julie
I don't think there is a formula. I know the recent research shows that 3 VS. 1.5 have not showed an amazing amount of difference or any difference at all in outcome. I think your Doc will know best how to advise. I too became septic after my second consolidation with 3gm and did my third with no problem at 1.5
I did relapse, but that was CLEARY due to the FLT3 and NOTHING ELSE. I had 11 months of great health before relapse as well.
Ed
I read one research from Europe comparing lower doses of Ara-C who claims there is no difference in outcome, and actually says those very high doses may be overkill (and very toxic as well).
So as Ed says, there's what they are used to doing, but lots of cases where there is flexibility and really no formula.
Good luck!
Abby
My husband had 4 consolidation rounds of HiDac which is what the docs wanted to do. They did say 3 was enough for most, but studies have shown for a few the fourth round can be beneficial. Since they don't know who it will benefit they like to go ahead and do it. The fourth round was very hard on him and he developed an infection (his first one). I've heard of folks having only 2 rounds of consolidation and staying in remission. I would do what your body feels like it can do-whether that is three rounds or four. His counts never returned to what they use to be (he is in the low normal range) but I guess that is his new normal. The docs say low normal is fine and not worry about it. He has been in remission for a year. Best of luck!
Julie :)
Great to hear your husband is getting past the one year milestone -- looks like he is well on his way. My platelets never made it back to normal, but like your husband, this is just a new normal -- no serious problem.
Julie: I have probably said this before but I had three consolidation rounds. If they are recommending a fourth, then for sure I would go with it. My onc said the third was optional, but it would make him sleep better at night. That was the least I could do for him. Could be with the particular chemo and dose that you are getting that four is the recommended. I think that will make you feel a whole lot better about the situation, and if nothing else, that would make it worth it. It is not without its risks, but if you keep all of the rules like you have been doing, you should get through it OK. We will be praying for you -- dave
I feel like I've made a touchdown with cycle three and cycle four is my extra point. :-) Pathetic football analogy and to top it off we're Lions fans in my house!!!!
You are about to end your treatment ! Please let us know if you begin the fourth one and when, so we can pray and ask our Good Lord to push your patlets up !
Blessings
Blessings,
Julie