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.
When my husband was first diagnosed I was scared, confused, and not liking any of the things I was reading on the internet about AML. I found this site (thank God) and just by lurking around it brought me a lot of comfort. These are real people on here not just words on Wikipedia or some sort of study done by the NIH. So I'm hoping to help others who are goggling looking for answers. Background: my husband was an almost 39 year old active duty military man stationed overseas when he was diagnosed. We were immediately medevac'd to Walter Reed for treatment. Active duty military: AML always considered service related if diagnosed while active duty. You should be appointed a non-medical caregiver (which was me) and that NMC should receive per diem and a housing allowance if treatment is away from your home base. You should also have a patient liaison (usually this person is active duty) to handle all of this stuff with you. Be persistent if you are getting the run around. Walter Reed gave us excellent care (but you should have your choice of where you want to be treated). You don't have to go to a military facility. You also do not have to stay at the Fisher House as a caregiver. You can get a furnished apartment or hotel near the hospital and get reimbursed. I stayed at the Fisher house because it was so convenient (a 2 minute walk to the hospital). The con to staying there is it is communal living - aka "germ haven" (I kept my husband isolated in our room when he was out on a pass-aka"get out of jail free card" :) We stayed for 5 months (1 induction and 4 consolidation rounds). Those who needed a BMT were usually sent to John Hopkin's. I hope this helps someone! Oh yeah we have been out of the hospital for 14 months now and doing great.
:) Julie
:) Julie
Thanks so much for this information. It comes at a time when we really need some good news and we are overjoyed that your husband has reached the 14 month mark with no problems. I know someone who just got DXed with CML and this might help her, so I will forward it on.
Take care -- dave
I love this topic because so many active duty, retirees and dependents (like myself) are struck with this disease. My med team says they see many who have lived and worked on military installations. As a dependent wife and a DoD civilian for 26 years I have spent many years in this chemically toxic environment. In fact, I know of five recently diagnosed AML patience all affiliated with the DoD. I am sure there is a correlation with the chemicals such as benzene that is routinely used.
Also, the DoD could do so much more in regard to donor drives at military installations. Each base has a donor coordinator but I have been met with resistance when I have asked for a drive. I am not giving up as the installation where I work (Hill AFB, UT) has over 24,000 employees.
The DoD donor program website is:
https://www.salutetolife.org/
Julie
Our first duty station was Hill (many years ago). My husband has volunteered to coordinate the donor drive here at our current base. He is very persuasive so I'm sure he will "voluntold" a lot of folks to sign up! :) He has been exposed to all sorts of stuff too-makes you wonder.
:) Julie