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.
The transplant co-ordinator called and they have identified the donor they would like for Keir. He is a 22 year old male "12/12" match - I honestly don't know what that means as opposed to 10/10. Keir has to have one more round of consolidation chemo and then a work up (and of course I'm already scared about the bone marrow biopsy showing bad cells). Keir has a clinic visit tomorrow. His numbers on Monday were where the doctor would expect them to be, she said, but he needs them to improve some before more can be done (his dental work and the next consolidation). He feels good and is eating and exercising. Then the donor has to have a work up (and of course I'm worried about that, though the co-ordinator said usually if they give the blood sample they don't back out at that point).
I am trying to reach out for more support from the bone marrow transplant survivor group so I am not quite so vampiric on this board. I feel badly - I am still in such a high state of anxiety that I feel guilty about coming here and unloading.
Keir is beginning to show some signs of real cabin fever from the enforced isolation. We're working on ways for him to keep occupied. I am grateful he feels well enough to want to do things, to be honest.
Thank you all.
I am trying to reach out for more support from the bone marrow transplant survivor group so I am not quite so vampiric on this board. I feel badly - I am still in such a high state of anxiety that I feel guilty about coming here and unloading.
Keir is beginning to show some signs of real cabin fever from the enforced isolation. We're working on ways for him to keep occupied. I am grateful he feels well enough to want to do things, to be honest.
Thank you all.
They said she had very common bone marrow or something along those lines, which was good in finding a match.
It sounds like Keir is the same let me know the name of the group you are checking out as well as I am always reading up on different things as mum has not decided as yet
We are praying for you and I am confident that all is going to be well. Take care -- dave
As a chemo only person, I sometimes feel bad asking for support from people who have weathered bmt with many complication. But whenever I've needed reassurance and support I've received it here and I am so grateful for that.
I cannot fathom having a child with AML rather than dealing with it myself. Keir it's so blessed to have you, Lori. My mother passed in 2010 from Alzheimer's at 83. There had been many times through this trial that I've wished I had my mother by my side.
My family continues to pray for you and keir daily.
Blessings,
Julie
I called the transplant coordinator to let her know he'd gotten dental clearance and the date of his next consolidation so hopefully things will start to move now. The patience required in dealing with this is astonishing - I'm not gifted with it naturally and am trying to learn it the hard way. One nice thing: We got out of clinic today before the bad weather hit - it's sleeting out here in Chicago and snow is expected, especially around the lake/ northern Indiana. For some reason, that drove home to me how utterly out of it we've been - when Keir was diagnosed it was near 100 degrees, just before labor day, and he'd recently participated in the annual "Zombie March" in Chicago. Fall is passing by and all the stores have their holiday decorations up. It is the oddest feeling - like watching one of those old movies with the time passing device of pages flying off a calendar.
Thank you all as always.
More good need that events are being scheduled and solidified. For me, that is always so comforting, something concrete to hold on to. You are so right about the surreal nature of time passing while in the AML whirlwind. Since diagnosed in March I have felt enveloped in a cacoon of peace most of the time, by God s Grace. Time has flown by which is good in terms of my self imposed sequester and bad when I allow myself to dwell on my mortality.
I've said it before but it is worth saying again, keir is so blessed to have yous a mother.
Julie
That is super news that he has such positive match results, such a relief! I remember many of my co-workers suddenly having babies and I did not even realize they were pregnant! Keir is closer to health and healing day by day, even though it passes to slow! Where is a time warp when you need it!
Take care,
Suzanne
Keir is doing well otherwise. I'm stuffing him with as much food as possible but he is skinny by nature and it's hard for him to gain. Still, he's put on about 8 pounds since finishing induction in mid September. He's exercising. And he's in a good frame of mind - just wants this behind him and to get on with his life. Thank you all as always and please just pray all this goes as smoothly as possible.
It is a bit like pushing out into space, but in all space travel they come back 98% of the time and and HE IS NOT going alone. He will have you there and all of us behind him. It is time for him to take and win his journey now, and there WILL be bumps and bruises along the way but he will prevail. He is in the best shape for it. Young and full of energy and many many reasons to win. I just put up a post and I am going to try to stick to it. Time to be a WARRIOR and not a WORRIER.
I am always here. email or here. Please never feel like you are imposing. Sent Keir a FB message today.