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 realize what an awful and sad time on the board this is and hesitate to post but wanted to update people on the situation with my son, Keir.
Pending final donor clearance (he just got his physical late last week) Keir enters Loyola Medical Center tomorrow to begin the prep for his bmt. His donor is a 10/10 match, unrelated. I don't know where he is from or anything other than his age, 22.
It feels very unreal. I will be honest and say I am so terribly afraid. Even though this is the goal we fought hard to get to, it is frightening and the thought of both of us spending at least another month in the hospital is quite overwhelming. Keir is holding up and trying to stay focused on the end result. His mom is wondering how I am going to drag us over the finish line and hoping the staff is very supportive.
I would welcome all words of support, chat, encouragement. It is a lonely thing to sit in the hospital room all day as all of you know. I don't have a lot of IRL family or friends around and like many of you know, many of them tend to disappear when situations like this arise. So please message me etc. and I will keep everyone updated. Please pray for Keir. He has been so brave and positive. While I would be in pieces inside, he was steadfast and just focused on "getting through it." He has never once expressed anger or bitterness that this is happening to him while his friends are going on with their lives as young adults. He has tried to be cooperative and friendly and thoughtful with all the hospital staff; not impatient as I sometimes get. I am so proud of him and love him so very much. I have no answers as to why this happened to him or any of the people reading this; only the hope that together, we will make it through.
Pending final donor clearance (he just got his physical late last week) Keir enters Loyola Medical Center tomorrow to begin the prep for his bmt. His donor is a 10/10 match, unrelated. I don't know where he is from or anything other than his age, 22.
It feels very unreal. I will be honest and say I am so terribly afraid. Even though this is the goal we fought hard to get to, it is frightening and the thought of both of us spending at least another month in the hospital is quite overwhelming. Keir is holding up and trying to stay focused on the end result. His mom is wondering how I am going to drag us over the finish line and hoping the staff is very supportive.
I would welcome all words of support, chat, encouragement. It is a lonely thing to sit in the hospital room all day as all of you know. I don't have a lot of IRL family or friends around and like many of you know, many of them tend to disappear when situations like this arise. So please message me etc. and I will keep everyone updated. Please pray for Keir. He has been so brave and positive. While I would be in pieces inside, he was steadfast and just focused on "getting through it." He has never once expressed anger or bitterness that this is happening to him while his friends are going on with their lives as young adults. He has tried to be cooperative and friendly and thoughtful with all the hospital staff; not impatient as I sometimes get. I am so proud of him and love him so very much. I have no answers as to why this happened to him or any of the people reading this; only the hope that together, we will make it through.
So glad it's finally Keir's donation day. Those European stem cells will find their new home in Keir's marrow and be his cure! It sounds like things will continue to be rough for another week or so, but Keir will get through it.then onward and upward! As they say when things are rough, "This, too, shall pass." We have our collective arms around you and Keir!!
With big hugs,
Monique & Sal
Just checking in to see how you and Keir are doing. We are thinking of you and hope you are feeling great relief now that the transplant itself is in the rear view mirror!
xo
Robin
Julie
But other than that he seems well and right now is up and eating and watching a movie. We are praying his counts start to rise as soon as possible and that they see signs of engraftment quickly as well so he can get out of the hospital. He is going stir crazy, but that might even be a good sign.
Let's all continue to pray for Keir and Lori as well as the rest of their family, who are also quite supportive. Any suggestions at this point will be appreciated. If Lori cannot get on, I will be glad to forward them to her. On Lori's behalf, thanks so much to all -- dave
Thank you so much for letting us know what's going on for Lori and Keir. I've been anxious to know how they are going, as I'm sure many others have been. Please let Lori know we are thinking of them both, and will continue to pray that all goes well from here.
Xo
Robin
Take Care,
Suzanne
I'm praying for you and Keir. This is the beginning of a beautiful future for Keir!
:) Julie
Blessings
Both you and Keir are hang in there, every day is one day closer to getting released, going home and starting the home stretch of recovery. I know too well those up and down days and how difficult it can be to stay positive. Waiting is so draining, but look at all you have gotten through since he was diagnosed. This too will pass. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my husband received his donation and he is doing great, so will Keir. We are off to see his doctor shortly, I am curious to see what his counts will be. Wishing you and Keir smooth, easy days ahead.
Hugs to you both,
Colleen
It's good news from you and Keir, thank God. Thanks to our Dave for keeping us all updated. You and Keir are definately in our thoughts and prayers.....
Look forward to another update from you. Take care of yourself, also.
Sandra
Thank you for your update on Keir. I'm certain he will continue to improve and will be able to get out of the hospital soon. Keir is on his way to being CURED now! I am thinking of you and Keir daily.
Love,
Monique