Hi Ryan, AML can be a very aggressive form of leukemia. It often just sneaks up on patients before they realize anything is wrong. Once it gets started, without treatment, it does progress rapidly. I want to offer you some hope for your father. I was 65 when I was diagnosed with AML. To that point, I was just like your dad…healthy, active and seldom ever ill. Within 3 weeks I went from walking 10 miles a day to having less than 24 hours to live…the day I was diagnosed. That was 5 years ago. With chemo and a bone marrow transplant I am cancer free and back to living a full and active life.

Years ago, treatment for AML was very limited and there was little hope once diagnosed. We now have medications and treatments that can help AML patients live longer by slowing the progression of the disease.

I know you’re searching for answers for your father. At 75, he is reaching the upper age limit of transplantation. Though I mentor AML patients in my local cancer clinic who will be going onto transplant and in the past 4 years there have been several patients aged 68+ including two 75 year olds who had bone marrow transplants. (One at University Hospital in Madison). They’re all doing really well! Not everyone with AML requires a transplant however. Much depends on the mutations which caused the AML. Another factor would be if your father has any co morbidities that would impact his ability to tolerate a transplant. The tests that your father’s doctor is waiting for will help decide the best course of treatment.

If your dad isn’t eligible for a transplant, there are several potential treatments (chemo and meds) which may help keep his leukemia from progressing. We actually have a few members in the forum who are in a similar situation with AML but aren’t able to or have declined having a bone marrow transplant. Here is a great conversation started by @lindagi who had been receiving chemo with good results.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aml-age-78-taking-decetabine-venetoclax-no-transplant/
I realize this all is so sudden and a lot to take in! But this doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for your father. I’m here to answer any questions you or your dad may have so don’t hesitate to reach out. How is your dad doing with all of this?