AML successful treatment

Posted by lindagi @lindagi, 3 days ago

Happy New Year! I want to share a happy treatment update for my wonderful response to Venetoclax and Dacogen (similar to Vidaza) for treatment of my AML. When I was diagnosed 3 years ago I was considered too old for transplant at age 78 here at the Mayo Clinic. I went into remission after my first cycle of treatment and have now stayed in remission for 3 years. My treatment has been ongoing and my team here has tweaked my routine several times to reduce side effects. Currently I am on a 5 week cycle of Venetoclax for 7 days at the same time I get Dacogen infusions for 3 days (recently reduced from 5 days). I will continue on some treatment routine as long as it is working. In the meantime I am enjoying a full life with family and friends although still taking precautions (weekly blood draws, avoiding folks with colds, etc.) .
I have learned a great deal throughout this period, including the variability of patient responses that can occur due to so many factors (genetics, other health conditions, etc.). I have also learned that there is at least one other patient here who is closing in on 5 years of remission with a similar routine! I am sharing my story to encourage you and wish all of you good outcomes as you face your treatment challenges.
Linda

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 3 days ago

Linda! Happy New Year, indeed!! Thank you so much for sharing this absolutely positive and encouraging news about your AML treatments. You have no idea how many people will read this who aren’t able to go forward with a bone marrow transplant for their Acute Myeloid Leukemia and are looking for some type of encouragement and hope that it can be treated successfully.

I’m so happy for you! Wishing you continued success and please keep sharing updates! We need good news! Huge hug!!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 3 days ago

@lindagi Thank you for sharing such good news from your corner! It's so important that we fellow blood cancer patients hear about the successes and outcomes of treatments.

Wishing you continued fun and life!
Ginger

sonieaml | @sonieaml | 2 days ago

Thank you so very much for posting your terrific results. I am on the same two drugs. We are still trying to get the balance right and after reading your update I am confident that my medical team is on the right track! I elected not to have the BMT for several reasons and am encouraged with your results so far. I know each of us are individual and my results may not be as spectacular as your’s have been but it does give me hope💕

dancouclanel4 | @dancouclanel4 | 1 day ago

Diagnosed in may 2023 with MDS/AML blasts of 26% forced me into hospital for first treatment of vidaza and venetoclax . I am 80 years old. Maintenance every 28 days since that time has put AML in remission and no transfusions since July '23. As of Dec '23 I see oncologist every other week. Hemoglobin is lagging in 12.0 - 12.5 area but quality of life is MUCH better. Very grateful for my team.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 17 hours ago

In reply to @dancouclanel4 "Diagnosed in may 2023 with MDS/AML blasts of 26% forced me into hospital for first treatment..." + (show)

Good morning, @dancouclanel4 I didn’t get the chance to reply yesterday when I read this awesome report of your success with V & V for your AML! Your story, along with @sonieaml and @lindagi gives a much needed morale boost and hope to patients with AML when aggressive treatments or a bone marrow transplant aren’t options for them.

And actually, it doesn’t appear your hemoglobin is lagging at all if it’s 12.0-12.5. That’s in the normal range for an adult female. And no blasts? This is a win/win! Happy New Year to you! Wishing you all the best as you continue along. ☺️

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