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.
Julian had his 7-month follow up appointment today. One week ago, his titer came back positive for Parvovirus B19, after he presented with red cheeks and a rash that was diagnosed as Fifth Disease. At that time, his blood counts were down (WBC 3.7, ANC 1.2, Hem. 12.6, and Platelets 177), a likely result of the virus. Today, they have all continued to drop dramatically (WBC 3.4, ANC 0.3, Hem 10.4, and platelets 76). His oncologist is convinced (or is trying to convince me) that this is still all from the virus, but I am very scared. So far, she has looked at his blood scan. She saw "activated white blood cells," but no blasts or anything else abnormal. She will be running a flow cytometry on his blood tomorrow to see if any leukemic cells show up there. If not, the next step will be to wait and see for a week to see what his counts do. If they drop again, she will order a bone marrow biopsy. I know that parvovirus can suppress the bone marrow and can cause aplastic anemia. What I know about that isn't exactly good either, but I do believe it would be much more preferable than a relapse. He will turn 3 in just over two weeks. This whole ordeal is taking place just one month shy of his diagnosis last year. The waiting game is really hard. Does anybody know much about this virus or aplastic anemia? That is the outcome I am praying for at this point, but I am so scared either way!
Jacki
Jacki
I am so sorry to here about continued low counts for Julian. Although I have no experience with this virus, I have been on the cusp of another BMB due to wonky counts many, many times. My med team jokes that I've had more BMBs than any other consolidation patient. They also joke that threatening me with a BMB will cause my counts to go up-that never worked BTW. I have come to appreciate my teams aggressive approach and know that the BMB is really the only definitive way to know what is going on. If the counts don't go up next week having the biopsy will help put everyone's concerns to rest. I know this is not very helpful, just know I have experienced this many times without any virus as the culprit and still have had a clean biopsy. The fact that Julian is fighting a known virus should put you somewhat at ease. Praying for continued remission for sweet Julian.
Julie