Abby,

I'm devastated for you and your family, cry scream roar do what ever it takes to get that anger and frustration out of you. Then let's move on, let's pull up our big girl pants and get ready for the big battle. BMT all the way cure cure cure keep saying it over and over again.

I'm thinking and praying for you. Praying for a good donor and some smooth sailing .

Majella

Abby

I am so shocked. Relapse after 2.5 years. I have often spoke to my doctor about relapse and he has explained to me that the longer time that elapses then the chances of relapse are reduced and even if you relapse the chances of gaining permanent remission with further treatment is higher because your leukaemia has a greater level of response to treatment. I know you are a strong woman.You have everything to fight for.

Lisa

Abby,

I am so sorry, devastated really, to hear about the turn of events after such a successful period. You will get well again with your BMT and will once again be able to put this all behind you.

I am with you all the way.



Cliff

I was just thinking of you yesterday and hoping all was well. I am so angry at this disease. You will prevail. On to a bmt and cure. Prayers to you and please know we are all behind you and with you through this.

I'm so sorry, Abby. Time to make some lemonade! You can and will do this and be stronger for it. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you for your beautiful messages. Yes, Majella and all. Statistically my relapse chances were very small. Ah well, my original statistical chances of getting AML at age 42 in the first place were tiny. So much for statistics!
And yes, I was told the same thing. The fact that it's been so long is good in terms of the physical state I am in now and the fact that it looks like it's not a terribly aggressive one.

Angry, devastated, sad, shocked. All these things you mention. Feel them all.

Will keep you posted. and LOVE your support.

Abby

I am so sorry to hear of your relapse and pray that your battle with AML will soon be over once and for all.

Karen

Abby, what is the plan? I assume they get you back into remission and then straight to transplant? I remember you had some challenges with a marrow match; are they doing cord blood transplants at your center? I saw a number of them being done at Loyola in Chicago where Keir was and the patients seem to be doing very well.

I wanted to kick a wall when I saw your post. But you are going to get through this. I am just angry that you have to....

Good luck, Abby. I was recently at a dinner sponsored by my hospital for bone marrow transplant survivors. I was shocked at the amount of people they have cured and the struggles they endured. It made my ordeal seem embarrassingly ordinary. People relapsing after 4 years and then getting a BMT, a young man miraculously finding a donor after being on the waiting list for years, another woman who needed two transplants. Whatever the situation, they can fix it. Nowadays there are so many weapons available to fight this disease, there is always hope. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lou

HI Abby, sending you all positive vibes, good luck with treatment and BMT :)

Oh Abby,

This news is devastating to me. You have been so encouraging to me during my chemo only journey, through all of my trials inspiring me both publicly and privately. You are always positive. It is easy to be cavalier about relapse until it happens.I try to talk tough and resilant knowing ask the while relapse is one of my biggest fears.

I know what a fighter you are. How smart you are regarding aml. How much you have to fight for, your family. There are so many positives especially considering how long you remained on remission. Your favorable sub type. Your overall health. I know that with your determination, everything stated above along with all the prayers and support from those here and elsewhere, you will win the final battle with our common enemy.

I recently crossed paths with a fellow patient who relapsed at two years and went to bmt with An unrelated donor and is 14 months out doing amazing, no issues.

I agree with Lou, there are so many successes. Please know my family is praying for you.

May God bless you

Julie

Abby -- this forum is not just for good news, and we appreciate your keeping us up. But even with a relapse, you know that it is not time to give up. It is time to look beyond the darkness for yet another time to see that you are going to arise to the challenge and you are gong to make it ...

So I looked beyond the darkness to the dawn of light
Beyond the darkness, I saw fears take flight
Beyond the darkness, at last pain subsides
Beyond the darkness is where hope resides.
-- Miriam White Williams (survivor)

http://uncledavesjukebox.com/

Click "Cancer Victim's Inspiration Page"

We all love you and are praying for your quick remission and successful transplant -- daveB

Abby, I'm am so surprised and sorry to hear of your relapse. Onward to transplant! And you will do very well, of this I am positive. You are one of our most iconic and strong warriors.

You have been a great support to all of us, and we are all here for you.

Love,
Monique

Thanks all, really moving.

The plan is a round of chemo aimed at getting me into remission, and then the BMT.

I did have a challenge with finding a donor. Now it looks like there may be one. I am sure they'll contact her and she if she's available and willing and if she is a true match. I hope she is!
If not, I assume we'd go with either a 9/10 or cord blood. One step at a time.

Other than that, I know this is scary for all you chemo-only out there. Don't be afraid. I'm on the wrong side of statistics but most people are not.

Plus, I was lucky to have the most amazing 2.5 years.

Now, a major bump on the road, but this will also eventually become an anecdote...

Love you all
Abby

Abby
I am so sorry to hear this news. We are currently dealing with relapse (hubby was chemo only) and onto Bmt very soon as well. The first few days are very shocking but after meeting w the medical team and having a plan, it seemed easier to focus on the future. Stay strong and positive, as well as active! You will do great!!
Lea