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 in my prayers also. You will do fine --- having watched my brother do through it twice, you can do this. Keep your eye on the end goal. Keep faith in God, your family, your friends, and yourself.
As with all of us, God controls all - in health and in illness.
Hugs
Twilight (Susan)
http://www.biblethought.net/spiritual-songs.html
I am a 5.5 year survivor and you will be as well before too long -- time flies, and you are going to beat this thing -- avoid all other thoughts. We are praying for you -- daveB
Andy
Hugs,
Julie
Im thinking of you as reinduction starts, I remember right before they Gave tony his first dose during the same thing, we both asked for a minute and sobbed, we needed it. It's totally ok and needed I think, because once the treatment started we put on our battle armour and it was full steam ahead! Focus your energy on positive thoughts now of second remission and onto a curative transplant
Sending healthy thoughts and hugs your way, you've got this
Lea
You have been so heavy on my heart. I sent your name forward for prayer Sunday and then at my small group study last night we all prayed for you and will continue to do so. You have been so brave and stoic through this. I so understand breaking down. Please know my family is praying fervently for remission, 10/10 match, successful sct and cure from AML my brother in Christ!
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Blessings
Julie
Lou
Stay strong you got this. We are all praying for you
Hugs and orayers
Karen
:) Julie
Monday they did a skin test to look for a reaction, which I tested positive for. Wednesday they gave me a full injection of the vaccine. Actually I think they gave me a larger dose then originally planned, because they think I should be able to tolerate it. 3 injections in all. I am told I am the first patient to get. The University of Chicago, University of Michigan and Virginia Cancer Institute are the 3 test centers. So far most don't have the antigen, and all of the others that have had the antigen, none of them tested positive so far.
It is kind of strange being the only one so far to be getting the injections. Makes me feel scared and perhaps breaking through a new scientific horizon.
Today I felt very agitated. The leukemia nurse called me and asked how I felt today, she said she didn't think that the agitation was relative to the vaccine.
Next vaccine dose in about 2 weeks, then 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. After that they will study me for about 6 months. At the end of 1 year they will decide whether or not to do more vaccine and extend the study.
I keep praying that I am doing the right thing for me and for my family.
Perhaps my participation in the study will not only benefit me and my family both others with AML, Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplasia as well. The vaccine is supposed to be designed to target all 3.
Thank you for your bravery and may this be God's way of leading you to a cure --- while opening new doors for others.
Prayers for a successful journey.
Andy
You got this! You can and will beat this. I'm thinking of you and wishing you strength. Fight on. Big hugs to you.