AML: I'm having a hard time to stay positive, what helps?

Hi @bettersleep68 I know you’re struggling with this diagnosis. I’d like to refer you back to some earlier conversations we’ve had.

I’m not sure if you saw this reply or not: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1251591/

I also think you’ll find encouragement with the conversations with other members like @lindag1 @dancouclanel4, who have AML and are being successfully treated and holding in remission.
AML Successful Treatment:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aml-successful-treatment/
Another great discussion started by @ccleschats about her husband’s success story.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - Treatment of 75 year old is working!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acute-myeloid-leukemia-aml-treatment-of-75-year-old-is-working/
I’ve been exactly where you are that’s why I can tell you from experience that the most helpful thing you can do for yourself is to try and have faith in your doctors to use their knowledge, education and experience to help you through this challenging time right now. Put the worry on their shoulders while you focus on staying healthy, as upbeat as possible, getting some daily exercise, eating foods rich in antioxidants, along with lean proteins, and drinking plenty of water daily.

You are in possession of strength and resilience you didn’t think possible. But stay focused on the future and find little things daily that bring joy to you even if it’s for a moment at a time.

Where are you in the chemo cycle. When was the last dose of your first round?

Yes..starting oral meds tomorrow was supposed to go for second of chemo but unable to go because of back..I am so upset and I thank you for all the information

Good to see you are reaching out...this is a frustrating disease. The old axiom of there are things you can control and those that you can't. Put both on separate sheets of paper and update when your emotions are aroused put those feelings down where applicable.
2nd opinion, diets helping platelets recovery, one on one mentor, research chromosome mutations, etc. Faith is a free drug for you....cash in on it. There should be a support group your doctor can recommend. Even your pastor. Don't do this on your own... if you are convinced that you are where you need to be in your doctor things outside your control are now providing you the best of the best....work on things you can control, your emotions...find a LLS mentor to lift your understanding as to what us going on with your body. Half the battle is mental.
Do this....create a excel sheet with column headings of....
Platelets; wbc; hgb; and anc....add ast for your liver. 5 columns.
Each lab put those # s on that sheet and follow your progress. I have one started on 12.5.2023...my platelets were 17, wbc was...get this... ".2"; hgb was low and anc was low supplemented by meds. To this day I have a record of all of these key indicators to Monday of last week. It is a story of my journey and what helped. My doctor likes my approach as I ask questions about treatment and recovery time. I played a role in it...I elected to give up some things to see where my body was between chemotherapy. We discovered lowering my vidaza to 100mg for 3 days not 7 or 5 that my bone marrow recovery was quicker and stronger. I have not had a transfusion since July 11, 2024....8 months ago. It has not been easy....I've walked in your shoes....be easy on yourself. And stay connected here. 🍻 👏

I was in your shoes exactly 9 years ago when I was diagnosed with AML. I didn’t know whether I would survive it, my first induction chemo was only partially successful, and the list goes on and on. Not knowing anything for sure was the most challenging thing for me. I had to accept the ambiguity and figure out where to find my strength to go on.

For me, my faith in God played an important part: I prayed and told God about everything, including the things I didn’t want to burden my family with. Somebody gave me a short book 50 Days of Hope by Lynn EiB, a cancer survivor herself. I also met a young college girl 4 months ago my diagnosis who had AML 5 years earlier. All that gave me hope.

I also set goals: live to meet my first grandchild, who was born half a year after my diagnosis. Then it was to live to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year. Then it was a goal to join the gym, start driving again, get a job. I was slowly able to regain my life.

For now, start with small things that give you joy and make you smile. There will be setbacks and know that all of us AML survivors have experienced them too. You are not alone!

Hugs!

Than
k. you for the sweet reply you are so blessed and hope I do as well....you gave me alot of hope..thank you

Thank you for the wonderful information. I am trying to stay positive. This is the hardest thing I have to deal with..thank you