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.
We are scheduled for the first dose of the clinical trial preemptive donor lymphocyte infusion that tony signed up for, this Monday at noon. We have mixed emotions as we know the lymph count is low after transplsnt and this will help w viral protection and establishing the gVL effect but could also increase risk of GVh or exasperate any current gvh. All we know Is the reward outweighs the risk, as we know we never EVER want to face leukemia again and if this "in theory" helps, then we want to do it!
Praying he tolerates the first dose well and the cells get along harmoniously with tonys body, as well as circulate and do any "seek and destroy missions" they are supposed to!
Praying he tolerates the first dose well and the cells get along harmoniously with tonys body, as well as circulate and do any "seek and destroy missions" they are supposed to!
You assumed it up best, the benefits outweigh the risks. I agree with doing everything possible to ensure cure. I am so happy to hear Tony is cleared to participate in this clinical trial. How long does it last?
Praying for success and gvl not gvh
Julie
Tony received the cells a lil bit ago (first infusion dose is a very small dose, 5 mls) this is a preemptive dose study to achieve tcell repletion earlier on after transplant, to boost the immune system as well as combat any minimal residual disease potentially hiding, in the hopes of preventing relapse.
He received some premeds, to prevent any possible allergic reactions. He's resting now and we will stay here a few hours to be monitored. His wbc and plates were lower today than they have been, but his reds are up to 14.1 (from 13.4)
Dvelasco-Are they giving your husband a second transplsnt of the same donor or another new donor? Was his donor a mud or related?
I have to say that the wind got taken out of our sails a bit today with the wbc drop, my head always goes to "that" place. Praying to God, and asking for all of your prayers too that this is just part of the normal cell fluctuations or life cycle :(
Tony is in my prayers.
Karen
I am so glad to hear Tony tolerated the infusion well. You know I pray for your family daily. I'm sorry you are now waiting about lower counts. As I've shared with you, I am nervous because my wbc and anc have been drifting down but my stubborn platelets are inching up so go figure. Today is a huge day for me, one year since my last chemo but I'm holding my celebration until my labs on Friday. One day soon we'll all exhale and put this hideous aml pass off our lives behind us. That is my prayer.
Praying for cure for Tony
Julie
Don't worry about the wbc drop - my most recent labs had wbc at 5.6 and the previous level was 7.0. WBC, neuts and platelets dropped but Hb went up slightly. Doc happy with my numbers and said some movement is natural. Hard not to go to that dark place as I've done myself many times but Tony is strong and young and he will be just fine. :)
DaveJ
xoxo
Monique