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.

julieking 09/18/2015

Fight hard Andy! With your perseverance and attitude you will beat this. I was depressed as well and made sure I surrounded myself with only positive friends. I had sepsis, meningitis, c-dif, shingles and fungal pneumonia. I took it one infection at a time. You can do this! Stay focused and beat one infection at a time. Your future holds being happy and healthy and becoming one of the medical professionals that saves lives:))

Noodle65 09/18/2015

Andy,

You are in my thoughts and prayers throughout my day. My church and small group are praying for you as well. I can not imagine the stress and depression that goes with hitting the restart on induction and then facing the unknown world of sct. I truly do not know how anyone gets through any aspect of life but especially a trial such as AML without the relentless love, grace, mercy and healing of our almighty God.

HIS strength is sufficient to get you through this. Lean on Him and not on your own understanding or strength. I have some verses for you. I pray they help somewhat. I am pursuing fervently for you

Psalms 40:1-3Iwaited patiently for the LORD;he inclined to me andheard my cry. He drew me up fromthe pit of destruction,out ofthe miry bog, andset my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.He puta new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God.Many willsee and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfareand not for evil,to give you a future and a hope.

John 16:33I have said these things to you, thatin me you may have peace.In the world you will have tribulation. Buttake heart;I have overcome the world.

leapea1208 09/19/2015

Hang in the Andy, please try to stay as positive as possible and also try sometimes to focus on what's past BMT. We felt getting to bmt and a donor match were the immediate goals, but also found that unknown terrain scary, so focusing on life after bmt was we found calming. We Understand The depression part, I pray for your mental health too! It's as important to your success. Tony was impatient for 24 days during re induction (protocol at our hospital) and struck a fever as soon as counts hits 0 too, but they know what to do and how to keep you safe there, I found it reassuring to be there, I hated nutrapenia when we were at home, I felt he was much safer in the hospital
Ride it out they'll get it under control quickly and within a few weeks your counts will recover!

angsup 09/22/2015

Hello Andy,
I too am a patient at MD Anderson. I was diagnosed with AML on 11/04/15 after just turning 34 yrs old. I went through induction and 6 off protocol consolidation treatments. I was just sent back to PA after living in Houston for 10 months. I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and your family as you go through the stem cell process. God bless.
Angela

angsup 09/22/2015

Sorry, I meant dx 11/04/14.

amesch1 09/27/2015

Hello everyone! I'm starting to string together days outside the hospital so that is always uplifting. They were able to control the bacteria infections and even spare my PICC line from having to be removed. I have to get a triple lumen central line for SCT, but I wanted this one to get me to that point. My counts are still extremely low. When I checked with my research nurse, she said what they gave me was the strongest chemo protocol that is offered outside of SCT chemo. I still hate feeling vulnerable, but the goal is to prepare for SCT.

Lately, I've been going through tests preparing for SCT. Heart tests, lung tests, and of course blood tests as the time grows near. This will be a big week for me. On Thursday, October 1st, I have a bone marrow test to see if remission is present. Also, I'll have a better update on my donor match information early this week along with more pre-transplant tests to run.

I trust that God will work everything out in his own timing and that I have to remind myself that ultimately, He is in control. Pray for me as the week goes on, and I will update y'all with all of the news as it is revealed to me.

God Bless You All,

Andy

Noodle65 09/27/2015

Andy,

Your faith is such an inspiration to me! Yes, I completely agree that our almighty Lord and Savior is in complete control. But for you to be in the eye of this storm and still have trust and faith is so awesome.

Please know you have my family, my church and my small groups prayers for a clean bmb and a10/10 match.

Blessings
Julie

julieking 09/27/2015

Fingers crossed that your bmb is clean. We are all pulling for you. Prayers.

Julie

amesch1 09/28/2015

I was informed today that my youngest sister is a perfect match to be my donor. There are tests to be completed and insurance stuff to get approved, but transplant is getting closer and closer. In addition to praying for me, pray for her as she goes through this process too. It's a lot to ask of a 19 year old, but she is ready to help her older brother out.

God Bless,

Andy

louzac 09/28/2015

Great news, Andy. My donor was also my younger sister, although we are both considerably older than you :-) Now it's only a matter of cutting through the insurance red tape and before you know it you will be on your way to transplant. Good luck. I think about you all the time and you're always in my prayers.

Lou

dbrowncsuaedu 09/28/2015

We are praying for your entire family. Looks like things are breaking in the right direction for you and we are just overjoyed about that -- our prayers have been answered. What a heroic thing for your sister to do -- she will never regret it. Take care -- daveB

Noodle65 09/28/2015

What an amazing answer to prayer. To have a10/10 sibling match is so awesome and I'm sure your sister will jump at the opportunity. I remember sitting in the waiting area when a sct patient had all 11 siblings, yes utah had huge family's, tested and not one was a match.

You are so blessed! !!! Praying for you daily

CajunGirl2015 09/29/2015

That is great news on your sister being a 10/10 match. I will be praying for her and for the success of the SCT!

Debbie

xuelan 09/30/2015

I just read about the 10/10 match with your sister. That is fantastic. I will pray for an easy course with all of this and that your recovery is a fast one.

Cliff

amesch1 10/01/2015

My dear friends,

I once again find myself in the hospital after being admitted at 4 am this morning with a 102.5 fever. The chemo they gave me was so strong that I still have no white cells to help me with infection. I also have bad mouth sores and cold sores on my lips. This pre-transplant process is making me earn it so much more than I could have ever expected it to. Continue to pray that I remain physically and mentally strong and that I don't allow this to discourage me too much.

Andy

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