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 at day -2 and things have been pretty much as you all have described, chemo week is basically uneventful, except for the significant rash and hives tony developed from the t-cell depleting chemo drug "Campath". Most of that has resolved by now, I may post a few pics to show how nasty it was. He tolerated the high dose busulfan phenomenally, has great energy and good appetite still. No nausea, just a little sleepier from some of the other meds given to support chemo toxicity. We walk 3+ miles a day plus I was able to bring izzy for a visit, which always helps recharge tony.
The team graciously switched our room on July 4 so tony could have a view of lake Michigan and the stunning Chicago skyline for the next month. we were able to watch around 50 firework shows going on at the same time from the view from his room, which was pretty neat.
Today he gets a visit from Psych (:-/) and then hooked up to the Tacrolimus/Prograft. His counts are still good, dropping slowly, not sure they will be at zero (peripherally) by Thursday. I've been told this is of no concern if his blood counts are not at zero bc his marrow is most likely already empty after 5 days chemo (Flu+Campath+Busulfan) Transplants scheduled at noon-ish Thursday and we will have Tonys siblings and parents here, as well as Father Caruso from Saint Ignacious to bless the cells.
We continue to ask for everyone's support and prays for a successful and curative transplant, and continue to pray for each and every one of you along this road to restored health
Xxoo
Lea and Tony
The team graciously switched our room on July 4 so tony could have a view of lake Michigan and the stunning Chicago skyline for the next month. we were able to watch around 50 firework shows going on at the same time from the view from his room, which was pretty neat.
Today he gets a visit from Psych (:-/) and then hooked up to the Tacrolimus/Prograft. His counts are still good, dropping slowly, not sure they will be at zero (peripherally) by Thursday. I've been told this is of no concern if his blood counts are not at zero bc his marrow is most likely already empty after 5 days chemo (Flu+Campath+Busulfan) Transplants scheduled at noon-ish Thursday and we will have Tonys siblings and parents here, as well as Father Caruso from Saint Ignacious to bless the cells.
We continue to ask for everyone's support and prays for a successful and curative transplant, and continue to pray for each and every one of you along this road to restored health
Xxoo
Lea and Tony
I will be sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and Tony! It sounds like things are going as well as can be expected. Thursday will be a healthy new beginning for all of you!
Tom
Debbie
Keep us posted. I will be following your every step, knowing we are 8 days behind you.
Prayers
Twilight
Davej
xo
Robin
Thank you for the update. Glad to hear that things are moving along and that Tony is doing well. The fireworks shows must have been beautiful. Tony is in my prayers every day and will continue to be included for as long as needed.
We all look for purpose or reason behind this horrific monster-AML. Maybe Tony's is to be an inspiration to others and to demonstrate how strong one can travel the BMT path-He is doing amazing!
I doubt God will reveal HIS purpose this side of heaven and I'm counting on the fact that when I meet my Savior Jesus Christ face to face, the LAST thing I will think about is AML EVER AGAIN. That is my prayer.
I pray God will grant your precious family with many many years of happiness and health. Your family is in my family's daily prayers.
Blessings,
Julie
Christina is still having a hard time eating and drinking enough. She is very fatigued and has had problems with tremors and unsteadiness.
The transplant has engrafted and her blood type has changed from O negative to B positive (I like her new blood types connotation!). I am hoping and praying for a wonderful outcome for Tony, you and your whole family!!
Tom
So sorry Christina is struggling with eating and fatigue but what outstanding news regarding engraftment.
What a great "new" blood type-Be Positive!!!!!!! Praying for a cure for Christina!!
Blessings,
Julie
God Bless,
Jacki
I'm thinking of you and Tony today, getting ready for tomorrow. This is very exciting!
Tom, I am THRILLED to hear that Christina's cells have engrafted! I also like her new blood type (B+). I will be praying for her to continue to gain strength toward cure!
xoxo
Monique
Twilight
Will be thinking and praying for Tony tomorrow that all goes well. Also that you guys will all be back together soon!
Debbie
Xoxo
Lea and Tony