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.
Cliff and I thought it would be good for everyone on the forum to enjoy and be inspired by all of the survivors' happy birthdays.
A "happy birthday" can be when you just got a good medical report, or it could just be any period of time you want to tell us about (e.g., Ben's 100 day birthday).
Please let's keep this thread positive -- if you are having trouble or issues, there are all of the rest of the threads for you, and we will surely help you. But we want this one to be one where those who have been just DXed can come and say: "Hey, all of these folks have made it and are celebrating -- I can make it too!!!
Please provide positive info from your recent exam if there was one. If not, just want to tell us about a time milestone.
Let me be the first to start. I got a great report yesterday. I had AML and still have MDS, but no matter -- I am three years and going on three months since my last treatment ... chemo only. I am now 69. Here are my important blood numbers: WBC: 4.8 (good); RBC: 3.64 (low); MCV:114 (high); MCH 39 (high); platelet: 110 (low). Might sound like bad numbers to you, but they have been consistently there for 3 and 3 now, so it just shows that survival does not depend on perfect numbers. My onc says as long as they don't change dramatically, that shows I don't have a blast problem (relapse). They don't want me back there for another six months. So wish me a happy birthday! -- dave
A "happy birthday" can be when you just got a good medical report, or it could just be any period of time you want to tell us about (e.g., Ben's 100 day birthday).
Please let's keep this thread positive -- if you are having trouble or issues, there are all of the rest of the threads for you, and we will surely help you. But we want this one to be one where those who have been just DXed can come and say: "Hey, all of these folks have made it and are celebrating -- I can make it too!!!
Please provide positive info from your recent exam if there was one. If not, just want to tell us about a time milestone.
Let me be the first to start. I got a great report yesterday. I had AML and still have MDS, but no matter -- I am three years and going on three months since my last treatment ... chemo only. I am now 69. Here are my important blood numbers: WBC: 4.8 (good); RBC: 3.64 (low); MCV:114 (high); MCH 39 (high); platelet: 110 (low). Might sound like bad numbers to you, but they have been consistently there for 3 and 3 now, so it just shows that survival does not depend on perfect numbers. My onc says as long as they don't change dramatically, that shows I don't have a blast problem (relapse). They don't want me back there for another six months. So wish me a happy birthday! -- dave
I am 6 months post transplant since the 13th a huge milestone for a flt-3.
I don't have my counts but I know RBc is low but platelets are 202.
Will have another blood draw on Tuesday .
Feel good still fatigued but alive.
Great idea Dave.
Planxty xxxx
That is super news and I think this is a wonderful idea.
Take care,
Suzanne
http://uncledavesjukebox.com/ and click on the new Leukemia Victims' Page and it will play automatically for you. Be patient -- its is about 5 Mb an it needs to download before it plays. You can be looking at the other inspirational songs I put up for leukemia victims and their care givers. Especially today I also did "Wind Beneath My Wings" especially for care givers. Thanks again -- dave
Thank you for the song. It brought tears and many many great memories to me. You sang so beautifully and with such feeling.
Planxty with much love xxxx
What is wrong with me???? I LOVED your music and I neglected to tell you. Anyway, this topic may be the anxiety relief that we all need. Only good news. In fact, I think we can get a little giddy here. We can laugh, dance, scream with delight. Let's just rejoice.
My numbers at 17 months (which I think I already posted) were HCT 38.2, WBC 7.1, PLT 220 K. I am delighted. I have tons of energy (never get more than 6 hours of sleep - I think that's an old age thing), eat (sadly) like a complete hog and, believe it or not, don't think about myself as being a sick person any longer. In fact, as I always say, my recollections of all the stuff (not to be elaborated!!!! YAY) that I lived through are dimming. I no longer say that I am lucky to be alive, because I no longer think of myself as a cancer survivor, but rather as a 60 year old who is really in pretty good shape.
So let's dance! Happy "un-birthday" to all of you, especially those of you who are on Team Transplant 2013. Bravo!
Cliff
Unchanged numbers and not going back for another 6 months are GREAT NUMBERS!!!
I have my 15 month biopsy on FEb 27th. Hopefully following in your footsteps! Been awhile since I had that long needle. Happy Birthday Planxty on your milestone as well!! Happy birthday to all and you too CLIFF! 17 months is awesome. Listening to the song ASAP.
Ed
Will be thinking about you on the 27th. I don't think you need my good wishes, because your marrow will be PARFAIT! I don't think twice about biopsies anymore, because they don't hurt and they are reassuring. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!!! Whose 100 days are coming up???
Cliff
OK, so Eddie has a birthday coming up -- on Feb. 27th -- let's all get ready to celebrate -- I am sure that it is all going to be good news.
And thanks to all of those who have helped me celebrate my birthday on Wednesday. I am calling it my 3 and 3 -- three years and three months.
I am praying for more people to get on this thread -- we need more birthdays!
Take care all -- dave
Maybe on some remote island in the carribean. A guy can dream can't he? Actually it wouldn't matter if it was in a pub in a dingy city. That would still be the most glorious get together ever.
Planxty how was the blood results? Cliff I think I am going to call you the good Doctor from now on. How is Phil? I read up on Andrea et la on the other thread daily. Daily strength indeed.
Ed
I will now remember your birthday...it is another exciting milestone. I have thought about a DS get together once everyone has left Team Transplant 2013 and joined Team Healthy 2013 (or 2014 if need be). This website has become an important part of my life. I worry about Team Transplant as if they were my brothers and sisters, and I laugh at all of the humorous comments as if told by the best comedians going. As I have said before, I wish I knew about this website when I was going through so much and feeling very alone and frightened at times. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.......
I thank my sister every time I speak with her, because it was she who got me hooked.
Happy 3 and 3, Dave. Eddie, what are you going to do for your birthday??
Cliff
I feel great today. Good spirits. I wish everyone else well on this fabulous Friday!
Peace,
Andrea
This is indeed a milestone. You need a treat today as 50 days and no re-admissions is a day to celebrate.
Sending you love xxxxx
Andrea...I think a carefully executed Tarantella is in order. It's hard to do one while typing, so I will make this brief and get to work.
Happy UN-birthday!
Cliff
I got a good report yesterday. No Neupegen shot. First time in six months. Yea! The counts have slowly been coming up. It has been 6 months since my last chemo. And I have hair now too.
Planxty, Congratualtions on your 6 month milestone.
Cliff, that is a wonderful feeling not to think of yourself as sick. I am getting there. Congrats....
Eddie, I will have you in my prayers on the 27th. I have another BMB in May. I love that idea of yours to meet someday. I agree, it wouldn't matter if it were in a pub. I like the Carribean also. We can both dream on. Where ever, we do need Dave's music.
lily