Connect
AML successful treatment
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
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!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 Reactions@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
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsThank 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💕
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsDiagnosed 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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
10 ReactionsGood 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. ☺️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsUpdate....Monday labs showed hemoglobin at 13.0!!!!! Major milestone.
Hemoglobin has not been at 13 since 2018.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThat’s fabulous news! Bet you’re feeling the energy (mentally and physically) of having a normal hemoglobin! Hah, careful…next thing you know you’ll be showing off doing cartwheels 🤸 🤸♂️
I’m happy you’re having such great results! Thanks for the super update!! ☺️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi group of hope,
My father was diagnosed as an AML patient 1 week ago. We started treatment of VIDAZA 100 mg but CBC still shows low rates of hemoglobin at 8 et platelets 47. Doctors tells me that his body doesn't respond positively to the treatment and they need to add Venclexta. We are preparing on taking his first dose. Could you please tell me Are we on the right path of treatment? Does theCycle of treatment take years ?Because doctors tell me repeatedly that you have to know that there is always a high risk of mortality..
Thank you so much in advance
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsWelcome to Connect, @tawakol. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in the blood and bone marrow where (basically) too many immature blood cells continue to form until they eventually crowd out healthy blood cells.
Vidaza is a medication which helps the bone marrow make healthy blood cells and kills abnormal ones. It is given by injection once a day for 7 days every 4 weeks. It is often paired with Venclexta with good results. These are excellent options for patients who are older or may not be good candidates for a bone marrow transplant.
You popped into the perfect discussion with @lindagi and @dancouclanel4 who recently gave their very encouraging updates with the same medications for AML. They’ll be able to give you more information regarding the treatment.
Your dad is very early in treatment. So give this time to work. If you don’t mind sharing, what is your father’s age? Is he in otherwise good health?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes, their good news gave me hope on the contrary to the dominant feeling of fear and anxiety everywhere else. My father is 70 years old. He is in good health except worries that control him. I am not in a hurry but demanding me to sign a concent of high risk case frightened me alot.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions