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.
Keir is now home from his second consolidation. He had a few issues with an accelerated heart rate on exertion but the EKG was normal so he was discharged as planned and we were told he tolerated the chemo extremely well. His identified donor has indicated he is willing to proceed. I don't know yet if he can do it as per the proposed schedule but I'm praying hard.
We have two weeks of "regular" clinic visits planned and then the intense pre-transplant testing schedule is to start. Since that is when Keir got a neutropenic fever last time, I'm also praying hard nothing delays the tests. The proposed schedule has his transplant on Dec. 19, one day after his actual birthday.
All I know about the donor is that he is a 22 year old male, and a "12/12" match. I've read the information about the transplant process that they've given us, tried to read the threads here on the various issues, and am still trying to exhale. It's incredibly overwhelming. So far, I've stayed with Keir during all his inpatient stays, about seven weeks since diagnosis (Aug 24). Due to it taking forever to fix the mold issues in our house, Keir and I are still staying with my elderly parents when he's out of hospital, so I'm feeling pretty isolated except for you wonderful folks. Any suggestions, encouragement, cheerleading, and prayers are most welcome. Keir feels good and is still eating well, the heart rate thing may have always been the situation (this is the first time they put a monitor on him), so I don't know if that's a new issue or not but the doctor did not seem unduly concerned at this point. He's had one neutropenic fever and a brief bout with C-diff. Everything has gone, so far, to schedule. Thank you all for all your help through this to this point. It has enabled me to help Keir in a way I am positive would have been impossible otherwise.
We have two weeks of "regular" clinic visits planned and then the intense pre-transplant testing schedule is to start. Since that is when Keir got a neutropenic fever last time, I'm also praying hard nothing delays the tests. The proposed schedule has his transplant on Dec. 19, one day after his actual birthday.
All I know about the donor is that he is a 22 year old male, and a "12/12" match. I've read the information about the transplant process that they've given us, tried to read the threads here on the various issues, and am still trying to exhale. It's incredibly overwhelming. So far, I've stayed with Keir during all his inpatient stays, about seven weeks since diagnosis (Aug 24). Due to it taking forever to fix the mold issues in our house, Keir and I are still staying with my elderly parents when he's out of hospital, so I'm feeling pretty isolated except for you wonderful folks. Any suggestions, encouragement, cheerleading, and prayers are most welcome. Keir feels good and is still eating well, the heart rate thing may have always been the situation (this is the first time they put a monitor on him), so I don't know if that's a new issue or not but the doctor did not seem unduly concerned at this point. He's had one neutropenic fever and a brief bout with C-diff. Everything has gone, so far, to schedule. Thank you all for all your help through this to this point. It has enabled me to help Keir in a way I am positive would have been impossible otherwise.
Vince had the same accelerated heart rate when he was going through his chemo (especially when his counts were low). It was a 2-3 minute walk from the Fisher House to the door of the hospital and sometimes we would have to stop a couple of times (it was an uphill walk). When he would have to stop he'd say he just wanted to check out the cars in the parking lot for a little while :) He is back to running 4 miles a day 5 days a week now! Neutropenic fevers and c-diff-been there and done that-yuck. Sounds like he has found a great match for his transplant. One of the gals who had a BMT came back to visit our ward (about 2 months after her transplant) and she looked amazing. She had a very difficult induction and was in ICU for a couple of weeks before her BMT. She was still in a wheelchair when she left to prepare for her BMT and a couple of months later she was prancing around our ward wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Keir is going to do great!
:) Julie
As always you and Keir are in my personal and my family's prayers.
Blessings,
Julie
Such great news! It is amazing how all the timing issues do finally come together and Keir sounds like he is doing great! I am so glad they have found a wonderful matched donor. That is certainly half the battle. I also wanted to let you know I had an accelerated heart rate each time I got high dose Ara C for consolidation. My resting pulse was about 110 and I would feel strangely flushed at times. I had 4 consolidations my first go around ( chemo only then relapse, then transplant) and it always affected me the same way. My heart rate would always return to normal about 1 week before the next go around. Keir and you will learn what's normal for him. I would end up with a Neutropenic fever after each consolidation round and then a weeks worth of antibiotics, we kinda learned to expect it. Praying for a smooth road to transplant and healing. Bless those donors, they are truly our angels.
Take Care,
Suzanne
We've not heard yet if the donor can comply with the schedule proposed by the transplant co-ordinator. So I'm praying hard on that one as well. Keir is doing well right now, three days out from chemo, eating well and gently exercising and trying hard to "just get through this." The pre-transplant test schedule is incredibly overwhelming - hours and hours of tests for several days. Hopefully it will all go as scheduled and we will soon be heading into the home stretch for the stem cell infusion. I know that is just the beginning of another long road, but God willing, a good one.
This is now the full time job, getting through all of the tests pre-transplant. I also remember being overwhelmed with the schedule. They are all for very good reason. I am confident things will continue positively for Keir. He is young and continuing to stay in great shape. I remember being told to eat up before transplant and to gain weight.
I am praying that the donor can comply with the schedule. What a beautiful gift for the Christmas season.
Keeping you in thought and prayer. Peace, hope and love,
Andrea,
I wish I were better at handling all this - I ruminate on every possible issue which - I know - is pointless. Keir is doing better, though he is beginning to get concerned about the whole ordeal.
Due to his neutropenia, he and I will stay alone for Thanksgiving while the rest of the family heads to my brother's. I am just hoping to keep him fever free. On Monday and Tuesday, he has major pre-transplant tests scheduled (including the bone marrow biopsy). He feels pretty well, no changes yet. I'm pretty wrecked about everything (especially the biopsy). Trying to do the one-day-at-a-time thing and finding it pretty tough! Still no word on whether the donor can comply with the suggested donation schedule, so am praying hard on that as well. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sounds like Keir is right on track, I am nine days out from consolidation#4 and am neutrapedic giving myself neupagon shots daily. I know how scary a looming bmb is, I fret every time. I continue to pray for you and Keir.
Blessings and peace,
Julie
Ed