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.
Hi, I'm new... just stumbled here looking for info...
My Dad (78) asked to go to the ER exactly one month ago. He had been tired and weak and progressively getting worse. He was diagnosed with in a few hours. He spent 8 days in the hospital, and because of his age the "big" chemo was not recommended for him. His oncologist did comfort care for a few weeks. (hydrea, blood, platelet transfusions)
Dad spent another 9 days in the hospital after spiking a high fever and his white cell count was 103,000. He continued to get weaker and weaker, slightly confused at times, and had random aches and pains that could not be explained.
He was discharged and sent home Friday -- with hospice. Of course he moved in with me, my husband, and 2 young daughters. My Mom passed 3 years ago and I have no siblings, so it's all up to me to care for him. I would do anything for him - he is a great man and dad. The shock is still so new and I know he will not last very long with this awful disease. He sleeps a lot and struggles with ordinary tasks. I am so sad... It's all just so overwhelming....
My Dad (78) asked to go to the ER exactly one month ago. He had been tired and weak and progressively getting worse. He was diagnosed with in a few hours. He spent 8 days in the hospital, and because of his age the "big" chemo was not recommended for him. His oncologist did comfort care for a few weeks. (hydrea, blood, platelet transfusions)
Dad spent another 9 days in the hospital after spiking a high fever and his white cell count was 103,000. He continued to get weaker and weaker, slightly confused at times, and had random aches and pains that could not be explained.
He was discharged and sent home Friday -- with hospice. Of course he moved in with me, my husband, and 2 young daughters. My Mom passed 3 years ago and I have no siblings, so it's all up to me to care for him. I would do anything for him - he is a great man and dad. The shock is still so new and I know he will not last very long with this awful disease. He sleeps a lot and struggles with ordinary tasks. I am so sad... It's all just so overwhelming....
One question comes to mind because it wasn't clear in your post--Was it just assumed that because of your dad's age that chemo was not a good thing, or was that a joint decision including yours and your father's input? Sometimes the tough decisions include the decision to remain comfortable (was one of the options my sister had to face recently) or pursue treatment that may be very, very difficult.
I believe you when you say you'd do anything for him. Please let us know how we can help. Ask questions, read our stories already posted, vent, etc...... We are here for you. We will be praying for your family in the days ahead.
--Gloria
Dad also had heart arrhythmia and poor kidney function as strikes against him for the 'big' chemo treatment. His oncologist did tell him he could go that route if he chose, but she didn't recommend it. He decided against it and went with the comfort care.
Tonight is just terrible. Dad is very weak, extremely thirsty, and very short of breath. Hospice ordered him breathing treatments this afternoon and it didn't seem to help much. He says he feels no pain anywhere, which i guess is a good thing. He is struggling so much and I feel so very bad for him. My heart is just breaking and I wish there was something I could do for him.
God bless
Ollie
Abby
Abby
Sherry
I am still in shock that my Dad passed just 34 days after being diagnosed with AML. Even the hospice nurse who admitted him said it would be 'a while' and he passed only 8 days later.
I think Dad would have been pleased with the services. He didn't like anyone to fuss over him, so everything was low key and simple.
I don't think it has fully sunk in yet that he is gone. My youngest is having a hard time. She is 4 and doesn't understand. I am sad for my daughters because they have no grandparents now. No aunts and no cousins. Basically, it's the four of us and that's it.
I know we will be ok; it is just going to take a lot of time.
Praying for your family. Words cannot express the pain you must be feeling and the shock. It is hard to explain to a 4 year old. I have a 3 and a half year old and it is hard to explain illness and death. Just keep at it, wish I had magic words to give you. Know your family is in our thoughts.
Abby