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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/ Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group

induction chemo done

jmysray
jmysray
Well Jamie is to be done with the chemo today for induction. Our nurse last night said he will start having problems the coming week. So far he has done pretty well we feel, an occasional gum bleed a few evenings with low blood pressure but no nausea, no bowel problems and his appatite continues to be good so far! I have read on here where many had no problems during this next phase of induction, what are some of the things we can expect, is there anything he can do to minimize other then continuing to be vidulent regarding germs and his exposure to them.
Noodle65
Noodle65
I'm sure this is not the first time you've heard this but everyone is different. I am one who induction and subsequent consolidation was uneventful. I did not get c-diff or any of the other intestinal infections that I think most experience except Cliff. For Induction I was in the hospital 28 days. The first sign of symptoms after chemo was my hair statrted falling out. My hair was down to the middle of my back so I was blessed to be able to donate my hair to locks of love. I shaved my head at two weeks. I did have severe headaches but I have always suffered from chronic headaches these were just more intense. The only real symptom that caused me real issues was mucosytus (the dreaded mouth sores) Make sure Jaime is practicing oral care. Use a soft brush and brush often, rinse with saline everytime he gets up. My mouth sores required that be feed via TPN-nutrician through my hickman for about a week. I only had two sores on my palate but they really hurt. As soon as my WBC came up they healed very quickly.

Has Jamie found out what sub type he has yet?

Praying for an uneventful recovery

Julie
Aussiemumworry
Aussiemumworry
I worked out early that the nurses and doctors need to mention the worse case, it doesn't mean it is going to be terrible or that he "has" to have problems.

What will happen is that he will have his blood levels bottom out or get very low... his immune system will also be zero ... therefore he may have an increase in blood products and platelets. He may also get very tired ...

Just keep on a low bacteria diet, avoid all people and extra visitors..... don't let anyone into the room that hasn't washed their hands with the wash as they enter .... see if he can keep on going for a walk even up and down the corridor. Strength is good to try and keep up :)

Whilst everything may seem extreme, keep your bubble up for these next couple of months so that the treatment can work efficiently and not have to fight any additional problems :)

Good luck :)