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.
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.
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.
You are so heavy on my heart. This morning while being ready for school my sixth grader, Trinity asked to pray for you so we kneeled at our couch and prayed. Although the number are not trending in the right direction, we all know this could be many things other than relapse. Recently, when my numbers were trending I had a lengthy discussion with my coordinator about the cadence of my labs (monthly) vice what others have (three or six month). She acknowledge d that labs close together can cause unneeded stress.
What did you med team say about your results today? Please know you are in my family's daily prayers. I don't know if you ate familiar with our daily bread? Yesterday, the devotional was so spot on with trials and struggles we face in this life and how we can operate within Gods plan. I've provided the link below. It helped me so much and hope it helps you.
God bless you
Julie
http://odb.org/2015/08/25/when-things-dont-go-well/
My doctor said not to panic and that we will do the bone marrow test and see what's going on in there. She seemed calm about it which is reassuring for me versus freaking out about the numbers like I tend to do. There is a solid chance they may get me in tomorrow for the test. We will see.
I appreciate your prayers and thoughts through this time for me. You and your family are very special. I've heard of Our Daily Bread, but never used them as my devotional source. I'll definitely look into it.
Andy
Andy
DaveJ
Good luck tomorrow. Praying for a clean bmb.
Julie
Blessings
Julie
Hugs and prayers
Karen
Twilight
Blessings,
Julie
I'll keep y'all posted.
Andy
Drs. want me to partake in a new trial study called: Phase 1 Study of an Oncofetal ("OFA") Multi-Peptide Immunotherapy ("BB MPI 03") in Subjects with Hematologic Cancer.
The study is being done at 3 locations: University of Chicago, University of Michigan and Virginia Cancer Center.
I am told that there is a 40 - 50% chance statistically that AML could return within 2 years. No guarantees with study, but Dr's. suggest possibility it could reduce likelihood of AML returning.
If I said I were a little nervous about the whole thing, that would be an understatement. I want to live. Seems this would increase my probability of living, but as always there are risks, it might not help at all and there is possible harm it could do. I pray about it all the time.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02240537
https://umclinicalstudies.org/HUM00093997
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDUQFjACahUKEwiS47LBzMXHAhUFFJIKHV4EDbc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trialdetails.com%2Fpdf%2FNCT02240537%2FPhase-I-Study-of-an-Oncofetal-Antigen-Multi-Peptide-Immunotherapy-in-Subjects-With-Hematologic-Cancer&ei=eRbdVdLCE4WoyATeiLS4Cw&usg=AFQjCNH2BW6U8ZP9p5vipADcWkSQsBWnEg&sig2=Ah3XwByuIxCsH50-xLN8oA
http://virginiacancerspecialists.com/treatments-services/clinical-trials-research/available-trials/
http://www.clinicaltrialsgps.com/search-clinical-trials/trial-48893/?Location=311
http://www.mcancer.org/research/clinical-trials/phase-one-clinical-trials
It's good to hear that Andy is at peace. I am giving it all to God, but it is easier said then done. Even Jesus at Mount Olive asked his father to take the cup.
Andy
Sending all the Strength and positivity I can muster your way!
Lea
I would highly consider ANYTHING showing promise, immunotherapy is the future of treatment
How exciting to see it coming to fruition for aml finally and for an opportunity to lead the way!
Best of luck whatever u decide
Lea