Welcome Urban,

I am truly sorry that you find yourself here due to your father's recent dx; however, I am grateful you feel comfortable requesting help. We are all here to help, encourage and pray for one another.

I have a few points of advice that were given to me by this amazing group that have served me well. First and foremost, please try to stay off the internet to research your father's AML. It is very tempting; however, I can tell you personally this has been very beneficial to me. AML is a very complex dx with many many variables to include cytogenics (sub type) which I'm sure you will not know for a few weeks, your fathers overall health ect. Also, most of the info, especially statistics are dated and based on the mean age at DX which is in the 70s.

If you have questions, ask your father's med team and this amazing group of expert survivors and caregivers. Another important thing is to put your trust in your father's med team. It is crucial to follow all of their advice and to have faith in the treatment path recommended. To that end, the sub type I discussed earlier, will determine the treatment path. There are about nine subtypes of AML divided into favorable, intermediate and unfavorable categories. Once further testing is complete on your father's bone marrow biopsy, the subtype will be determined. Generally, favorable subtypes are treated with chemo only while the other categories generally require a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT).

Again these are generalities not written in stone. All AML patience receive Induction chemo with the goal of reaching remission. Most do reach remission with the first round but some need an additional round so do not be concerned if a second round is required. Many survivors here needed two rounds of Induction. After Induction, if your father is treated with chemo only, generally there are three to four rounds of chemo called consolidation. If your father needs a SCT, consolidation is generally used to maintain remission while a perfect match is found.

For a SCT, full siblings are tested for a match but it is not uncommon for patience to have an unrelated donor with great success.

All of us have a very unique AML experience. I was DXd at 48 years old with absolutely no symptoms other than wonky blood work. I was blessed with a favorable sub-type-Inversion 16 and had an extremely smooth treatment experience. I teleworked fulltime after Induction and remained very healthy throughout. I am 25 months post dx and 17 months post last chemo.

I am so please to hear your family have a relationship with God-this is extremely helpful in my opinion. We are a praying group and believe in prayers power and almighty God's ability to heal us.

I would love to add your Dad and your family to my family's pray list. May I have his first name so I can pray specifically for him. You should know that AML can be beat and we are living proof.

Blessings
Julie

Dear Urban,

One other comment-If your father's DX is M3 that is excellent news as M3 is usually the most treatable subtype of AML-APL Promyelocytic (acute promyelocytic leukemia). This is the best kind to have. As my docs called it-the best of the worst. This type is treated with chemo only and care rates are near 95%. This is the type Chuck Pagono -coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He is doing amazing!

Hope this helps

Julie

Urban, this is a great group and I know you will find much support here as you start down this path that we have been/are going through. I know how you feel, everyone here does. I've already said a prayer for you, your family and your dear father.

The road is definitely tough. I'm 45 yr old woman with 2 boys. Diagnosed On May 9, 2014. Went through chemo and was put into remission. I had some chromosomal mutations which put me at a higher risk for relapse, so I had a Stem Cell Transplant in Oct 2014. I'm recovering nicely, building back up from the Transplant.

I prayed/pray for strength constantly and feel like He listened. I'm so proud of myself for what I've been through. I feel calm and strong and can handle whatever happens, and I so hope that for you and your family. Your dad won't want to see you worry, that always upset me the most. Seeing my daddy sitting across from my hospital bed with sadness. I just reassured him that I could do this. I'm sorry I'm rambling, and maybe not being relevant.

You are doing everything you can for him during this fight. Stay strong.

Hugs and STRENGTH

UPM: Some resources if you want to check them out -- I will be glad to answer questions with regard to them on this list or privately. Good that you came here early on -- please be sure to ask any questions you have -- this is a GREAT group and they want to help, so do a favor and give them some questions. They will all be praying for your father and your family as well.

Here is the url: http://BibleThought.net/

Under the Home page are cancer links -- I am a five year survivor -- came down with AML at 64, so our cases are quite close. There is a story there that chronicles my ordeal as well as a page that has links to articles I wrote on chemo side effects that were published on another general cancer site -- so I can only link to them.

We are here for you -- please do not be hesitant to let us know what you need. daveB

Hello Urban,
I have you, your dear dad, and your family on my prayer list.
I will ask my church family for prayers too. Can you please tell me your Dad's name? I always pray personal prayers.
Thinking of your Dad, you and all the family.
God Bless you all,
Sandra

Urban,

I was diagnosed at age 58, and am doing well 4 years later. Be positive and keep your eyes on the prize (his good health). Let's just say that your Dad's condition is a bit of a loosening of his roots. This tree is not going to fall, but rather those roots will strengthen with his treatment and he will get well. We are all praying for him and for his loving family.

Cliff

Everyone,
Thank you SO much for the helpful advice, prayers, and anecdotes!! I feel stronger this week now that I've changed my approach. You're right Noodle, looking at the research was NOT helpful. Seeing "survival rates" took me to rock bottom. I've decided that looking around the room so to speak won't help. My family needs to focus on the facts of my father's casenot compare and despair.

Lora, your "ramble" made perfect sense to me! Projecting strength to and for my father is what he needs. I try to leave my worry at the door.

My dad's first name is Glenn. He mentioned that he takes time every day to accept the prayers coming his way and that he feels lifted by them all. We have multiple prayer circles in place. I personally feel much better being a part of this online community where I can seek advice and support. Again, extreme feelings of gratitude for you all.

Urban,

I'm so happy to hear that you are feeling better. Ask of us whether patient or care giver can certainly relate to the utter shock associated with initial dx. Thankfully for many of us, it is a fog.

I love to hear how Glenn (my dad's name too) soaks in the prayers offered up on his behalf. How awesome. My husband and I both work for the US Air Force so I was blessed by prayers all over the world along with multiple congregations and all the prayer warriors here. I literally felt the love and comfort in those prayers throughout. AlmightyGod gave me that peace that passes All understanding.

Glenn and your family is on my family pray list, my small groups list and my church prayer request list. Glenn will prevail and your family will be stronger on the other side of this.

Blessings
Julie