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.

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amesch1 08/21/2015

I've been on this site on and off since about April of 2014 and have seen many stories that inspired me and some that also made me sad. I recently hit 17 months in remission when I visited MDA for my 3 month checkup. My labs were a little lower than I had thought they would be being that I've felt fine and started to work in a pediatric clinic as I prepare to make my way to PA school: WBC: 2,000, RBC: 14.3, PLTS: 117,000. Everything else was fine both on the differential and chemistry section of the labs.

Well, I rechecked the other day (2 weeks since MDA) and was once again disappointed by the results.

WBC: 1,860
RBC: 14.8
PLTS: 95,000

My numbers have always fluctuated even back to when I was receiving chemotherapy, but my WBC and PLTS haven't been that low since I recovered from my last treatment. My RBCs have been the only ones that have been in range since stopping treatments. I had my BMB in May and everything came back negative for leukemia. My local onc wants me to recheck next week and then see what the course of action will be from there.

It's frustrating after the journey from last year to finally finding a career in medicine that I enjoy in helping others only to have this come up. Surprisingly though, I am at peace. God got me through last year and I am leaving it up to Him to get me through whatever the future holds. I've seen so many warriors on this site and it gives me the confidence and strength to know that no matter what is thrown my way, I can take it on and have a great support staff along the way.

amesch1 08/21/2015

My name is Andy by the way haha

Noodle65 08/21/2015

Andy,

I know how stressful wonky counts can be especially after trying to return to a "normal" life. I'm praying that this is all that this is, two wonky cbc. You did not mention what your anc is. I know you had tons of chemo, seven consolidations, right? Is it possible that all that cumulative chemo could still be impacting your marrow? I'm sure all of these things have already gone through your mind. You certainly have the right attitude. God will make a way no matter what comes. All we can do is take events as they come. So hard to do. Please know I'm praying for a good cbc and continued remission.

Blessings
Julie

amesch1 08/21/2015

My ANC currently from that last CBC is 1.13. I really appreciate the support Julie. I too, hope this is just a glitch in the system.

Noodle65 08/21/2015

Andy,

Last month my anc was close to that. Since you were inversion 16 sites mda do a pcr test? I have one every other month and my med team defer to that over labs. Also are you tested for the return of your flt 3 mutation?

amesch1 08/22/2015

I was tested for all sorts of mutations last BMB and it came back negative for all. I do not do the PCR test every time with my labs. I'm supposed to recheck labs again this week, but I asked my oncologist locally if we can just skip to the bone marrow test to get more concrete answers.

Noodle65 08/22/2015

I agree with that approach Andy. I've had 8 bmb with nothing but litacan and find them to be really no big deal. I would rather know definatively what is going on. I'm praying for an ubber clean one.

Blessings
Julie

dbrowncsuaedu 08/22/2015

My feeling is that if you are negative for leukemia then there was probably some bone marrow damage due to the chemo. This should recover in time by itself -- mine took a couple years before it started to imprve -- I am a 5.5 yr survivor of chemo only -- current age going on 72. Your med team is also probably addressing things as best they can, but it might just have to be time. Try not to over-do it -- I can still only work outside in the heat for about 15-20 minutes and I have to come in and cool off. Life gets different, but hey -- it IS life and we are all so thankful for that -- daveB

Noodle65 08/25/2015

Andy,

Are you getting a bmb this week? Praying that all is clear.

Blessings

Julie

amesch1 08/25/2015

I'll have a lab tomorrow. My doctor wants to see if this is in fact a downward trend or just a random event. I had something slightly similar to my counts plummeting back in January and then they came back, so blood test tomorrow. Bone marrow test to be determined based on those results.

julieking 08/25/2015

I remember that you did 7 rounds of consolidation. That is amazing as I barely made it through 4. I went to MDA as well and my doctor was Dr. Kashani and luckily I just do petscans and blood counts every 3 months. I'm just starting back to work subbing because they couldn't hold my job because treatment was longer than 6 months. That is awesome that you are going into the medical field. My thought is your bone marrow had so much chemo it is taking longer to recover. Blessings from a fellow inversion 16er:).

Noodle65 08/25/2015

Andy,

While driving today, I felt strongly compelled to pray for all fighting this disease and in particular for you. My prayer is that the past two labs were just an anomoly. From the other inversion 16 Julie, you have my continued prayers. Please keep us posted.

Blessings
Julie

dbrowncsuaedu 08/26/2015

Please do not fret over any one sample -- any given sample can have an error depending on where the blood has been in your body and what it has been doing. If they took ten samples they would have slightly different results each time and sometimes the readings get way off. Now if you get the same results several times separated by weeks, then that is a much more reliable reading, but you just cannot put too much stock into just a single reading. It is good that you are not overly worrying about it -- that is not going to accomplish anything and it could be extremely counterproductive. We are all praying for your next readings to be closer to normal. daveB

mtnbyker 08/26/2015

I agree with Dave, especially since the docs don't want to take a bmb yet. All of this experience you are gaining is going to help you and your future patients, everything has a purpose. Praying for good numbers for you.
DaveJ

Noodle65 08/26/2015

Praying fervently for good results, Andy! !! Please keep us updated.

Blessings
Julie

amesch1 08/26/2015

Today, the CBC showed that my numbers are continuing a trend downward.

WBC 1.61
ANC 0.52
PLTS 73,000
HGB wasn't specified when I talked to my doctor but he said relatively normal

Looks like a bone marrow test is in my future. I immediately started contacting people to get it into place. My guess is that I'll have it sometime next week. I'll let y'all know when I have a specific day.

Once again, thank you for the constant support and encouragement that has been on here since I signed up in early 2014. This is one special community of people.

God bless,

Andy

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