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.
I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to update on my husband Jimmy. Since it's been so long I will give a little background. In the 1980s Jimmy was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease and received a BMT in 1988. 25 years later in July 2012 he was dx with MDS/AML and again went on to receive a MUD T cell depleted BMT in July 2013 at Sloan-Kettering. Jimmy had some bumps in the beginning mainly C-diff but then things went pretty smoothly in his recovery. Our biggest concern was that Jimmy had split chimerism, his neutrophils and B cells were 100% Donor but his T cells were only 2%. Despite that Jimmy felt really good back to work full-time and exercising like crazy, he was even able to start skiing again which is his passion. In January 2015 19 months post BMT at a regular check up we saw that Jimmy's count starting to drop they did a BMB and we found out he was relapsing. First thing Jimmy did was go skiing the next morning in Vermont. After a lot of back-and-forth between the doctors we have decided to do another round of induction chemo (flag) followed by a DLI. Our incredible Donor has come through again and again we are awed by the kindness of strangers. Jimmy checked back into the hospital last week and started the treatment. Just to give an idea of how good of shape he was in 14 laps around the floor is 1 mile jimmy's disappointed he didn't reach his goal the highest he's gotten so far is only 93 laps around. So far everything is going as expected and praying this will wipe out the leukemia once and for all.
Margaret
Margaret
Lea
I hope Jimmy is feeling OK post transplant and is able to eat. I am sure he will be buzzing around the halls soon.
You know that I will NEVER forget my visit to MSKCC, when I saw Eddie, Jimmy, and you. There are few memories that I care to keep about my own AML experience, and this is one of them.
Please give my regards to Jimmy and tell him that he (and you) are always in my prayers.
cliff
Cliff that day was also very special to us that you would take the time to come meet us and give some much-needed encouragement. I hope your brothers is doing well.
Margaret
BLESSINGS
Julie
Hugs and prayers.
Karen
Margaret
Hugs and prayers.
Karen
Wonderful news....PLEEZE both of you have the peaceful sleep you deserve!!!!
Much love to you both.....Sandra
DaveJ
Debbie
Margaret
Please know you and Jimmy are in my daily prayers. We will pray specifically for a clean bmb, more Platelets and all donor t-cells.
Although, I do not personally have experience with sct and now Jimmy had experience times three, I would think the effects of all that treatment even though it had spanned almost 30 years must be cumulative.
Also, just being two years older since his last sct may also attribute to increased fatigue. Jimmy is such an inspiration. I pray this final journey produces the illusive cure once and for all.
Blessings
Julie
I am confident that the BMB results will be right on target. I know that the fatigue must be a real nuisance to someone as active as Jimmy. He should push himself to do his laps, even if he has to take a nap afterward. The counts sound great and, as you know, platelets go up and down. I am thrilled that he has avoided infections. That is the most important factor in a smooth recovery.
Please give him my best.
Cliff