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.
Hello,
I have been going back and forth as whether to have a BMT or to continue with consolidation treatments. I had been trying to avoid having a BMT because, to be honest, I was terrified of the complications it could involve. However, my doctors have finally convinced me to go ahead with the BMT. They are very confident that it could be a cure for me, and that it is my best option to live a longer, healthier life. I am putting my faith and confidence in them that this will be true. I have already found out that 2 of my 3 brothers are perfect matches to me, so will be using one of them. I know it will be a difficult process, but I am looking forward to a future when it is done.
My Oncologist advised me to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss freezing my eggs before having the BMT, as I will most certainly lose my eggs from conditioning. After meeting with one and learning of the process and the costs, I have decided to forgo this process, and instead look into donor eggs in the future. At this point, I just don't think I could handle another medical procedure, and more medical bills. It is an extremely tough decision, one that I NEVER thought I would have to make. But I am confident about it. I am very glad that there is another option for me to have children in the future.
Have any other women on here been in this position with your AML? I know many already had children before they were diagnosed and treated, but for those who had to face infertility before getting the chance to procreate, I am wondering how the topic was dealt with?
I have been going back and forth as whether to have a BMT or to continue with consolidation treatments. I had been trying to avoid having a BMT because, to be honest, I was terrified of the complications it could involve. However, my doctors have finally convinced me to go ahead with the BMT. They are very confident that it could be a cure for me, and that it is my best option to live a longer, healthier life. I am putting my faith and confidence in them that this will be true. I have already found out that 2 of my 3 brothers are perfect matches to me, so will be using one of them. I know it will be a difficult process, but I am looking forward to a future when it is done.
My Oncologist advised me to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss freezing my eggs before having the BMT, as I will most certainly lose my eggs from conditioning. After meeting with one and learning of the process and the costs, I have decided to forgo this process, and instead look into donor eggs in the future. At this point, I just don't think I could handle another medical procedure, and more medical bills. It is an extremely tough decision, one that I NEVER thought I would have to make. But I am confident about it. I am very glad that there is another option for me to have children in the future.
Have any other women on here been in this position with your AML? I know many already had children before they were diagnosed and treated, but for those who had to face infertility before getting the chance to procreate, I am wondering how the topic was dealt with?
I am so happy to hear that you have made a decision that is in line with your med team's recommendations. Also, what a blessing that you have two brothers that are a 10/10 match! So sorry that you are having to deal with the negative impacts to your future fertility at this time but I am confident that there are options that will allow you to have children in the future.
Blessings
Julie
I can't speak to your question regarding inferility with AML, but I hope someone here can. But, as you know, there are so many women who deal with infertility and SO MANY great options nowadays for you to have children in the future. I completely understand your decision to forego harvesting your eggs if the process is too overwhelming.
I will say that I am happy that you decided to move forward with BMT, especially since your doctors recommended it. My husband decided to go with chemo-only but relapsed right away after his 4th consolidation round. So we are now pursuing BMT.
Warmly,
Monique
I believe God knows the desires of our heart. If you desire a baby, that baby will come. Maybe not as you imagined it happening, but it can happen.
As for me life has been so hard over the last three years with so many changes that I'm content with not exploring my options for now. I really hope I'll be a great Aunt one day.
Best wishes on the transplant!
Trish
Robin
We didn't have kids prior to my tx. My DH was dx with HL 5 months after we were married. We waited until we were given the all clear by his oncologist - about a year prior to my dx, at 29. It didn't happen. There are other issues that might have played a role in it. Now being post transplant - not going to worry about it until we are a few years out. There really isn't anything I can do about it at the moment. Since things weren't working, we missed the option to do anything between consolidation and relapse.
I had a mini transplant, my doc said there is still a slim chance that things could work. We are on the wait and see path.