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
Julie
Dave J
xoxo
Monique & Sal
Julie
dave j
Hoping things are going good for Tony and his new stem cells!
Please know that Tony is in my prayers.
Karen
Julie
The actual Transplant was pretty smooth, he had a slight reaction (facial flushing and tachycardia) but were managed w meds and heart rate Is getting lower finally. They have warned us that nutropenia and some of the harsher side effects will start in a few days from now (mucousitis and diarreah) but we're hoping for a speedy count recovery and they started his nupegen shots today.
Will keep you all updated of course as the days go by.
I'm getting izzy tomorrow to bring her for a visit before his counts bottom out and he feels crummy.
Xxoo
Lea
Thank you so much for your post. I am glad things are progressing on course.
Thank you for the update. Glad to hear that Tony is doing well and that he will get to see Izzy tomorrow. I know not being able to see her is hard on him but you will soon get to be together again as a happy healthy family.
Karen
Debbie