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.
Hi All,
I visited my Dr. yesterday hoping to be admitted for my 2nd consolidation treatment. Alas, my platelets actually went down from 76 to 73. All other counts are in the range RBC 39 and ANC 2.2. I am almost 60 days from the start of consolidation #1. I have a favorable subtype of AML- Inverse 16 with negative FLT3 and Ckit. But if my counts don't cooperate I can not have chemo. One cause could be HIT (above) which I am being tested for. Do you know anyone with this condition? Also, no heparin in my lines so I'm flushing with saline everyday. I never thought I would want an allergy to heparin but the alternatives are not great. My BMB two and half weeks ago showed my marrow was very slow to recover but there we adequate cells to make platelets. The Dr says that some antibodies that are "gobbleing" up the cells. Worst case, my counts never recover and I move to transplant. As a reminder, I am an otherwise healthy 48 year old female.
Thanks in advance,
Julie
I visited my Dr. yesterday hoping to be admitted for my 2nd consolidation treatment. Alas, my platelets actually went down from 76 to 73. All other counts are in the range RBC 39 and ANC 2.2. I am almost 60 days from the start of consolidation #1. I have a favorable subtype of AML- Inverse 16 with negative FLT3 and Ckit. But if my counts don't cooperate I can not have chemo. One cause could be HIT (above) which I am being tested for. Do you know anyone with this condition? Also, no heparin in my lines so I'm flushing with saline everyday. I never thought I would want an allergy to heparin but the alternatives are not great. My BMB two and half weeks ago showed my marrow was very slow to recover but there we adequate cells to make platelets. The Dr says that some antibodies that are "gobbleing" up the cells. Worst case, my counts never recover and I move to transplant. As a reminder, I am an otherwise healthy 48 year old female.
Thanks in advance,
Julie
It is so hard waiting on those cell counts. I had what they called platelet refractory. Antibodies to the platelets they were giving me. My platelet level dropped to a 1. Yup, 1000. It was awful. They finally had to give me IV medication to clot. And my platelets had to be an HLN match. I think that is what it is called. So I think you have somewhat the same thing.
My bone marrow was also slow to recover. Dave at one point reassured me that his was that way also. So I sighed a sigh of relief and played the waiting game. Sure enough they finally, finally started coming around. It took months.
Not to discourage you I hope. Just wanting to point out that there is certainly hope that it will all work out. Sorry to hear of the heparin allergy. Sounds like the saline is doing the job. It seems the docs always come up with something to get us through. It is hard to have faith though.
lily
I need to stay focused on how blessed I am every day and the fact that I am in remission. I believe my counts will come back. We'll see if the test shows I have HIT.
Bless you,
Julie
I am a blood count addict. If I could have labs every day, I would. For now, weekly. My counts take forever to rebound. Luckily I get the support of platelets and whole blood as needed. My research doc says, "ah, don't pay attention to the counts" and he thinks I should just keep going with chemo regardless of my numbers - me?, well I have mini panic attacks. The good news, my counts start to rebound always and when they do, it's a fast turnaround. I will double or triple in 12 days once they start kicking into gear -this was pre and now post transplant.
I am having my tri fusion cath removed tomorrow. They thought it had a clot, but turns out I had cellulitis, so it is getting pulled. My next chemo will be August and of I need blood products, I am ok with using a peripheral vein.
And, btw, congrats on remission -what a feeling.
Peace, love and hope,
Andrea
Andrea,
I so relate to you-I am addicted to my CBC. How long does it take for yours to recover?
Julie