Aw golly, Jacklyn, I know you’re feeling pretty scared right now about going through treatments for AML. It’s not a disease to be taken lightly but it’s important to get the treatments started! There are different approaches to treatment depending on each patient’s condition

You’re having a 7+3 cocktail, as my chemo nurses joked. I wish! I’ve had better Happy Hours. ☺️
Basically, 7+3 means, seven days with one drug along with the addition of another for three days, running concurrently.
Those infusions are generally given while in-patient for a week’s stay in the hospital. At least in my experience and from what other friends have shared with me. It can be a very effective treatment for lowering the blast counts associated with AML.
This first round is called Induction. It is usually followed by a Consolidation round 28 days later, which is just one drug for 6 days. The treatments can, as your doctor mentioned, cause all of your blood numbers to drop about a week or so after the last infusion. The chemo targets rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells…in your case the blasts. However it’s not discriminatory and will also destroy other fast growing cells such as hair, mucosal tissue and blood cells.
So don’t be caught off-guard if you start feeling extremely tired during that week. Within a week or so, your blood cells should start to regenerate and you’ll start feeling stronger again. But that week where you are neutropenic you’ll want to rest most of the time.

Because your cell counts will be low, there is more of a risk for infections. So make sure to check your temperature daily. If it is ever elevated to 100.4 or higher please call your oncologist right away to get directions. With neutropenia, there aren’t the normal symptoms of an infection present, just the elevated temp. So you don’t want to let that go without talking to your doctor.

Did your doctor mention being admitted to the hospital for a week? If so:
Things I took along were an ipad, phone, chargers, small extension cord to keep those working, little bag of items for amusement. In my case it was a small tin of water colors, paper, brushes, books, crossword puzzle book, etc. Take some pajamas, socks, underwear and personal items. But also, take comfy clothing! You’ll want to dress every day. It’s so much better than wearing a hospital gown. They make you feel like you’re an invalid! I wore yoga pants and t-shirts with a nice hoody, or over shirt. Oh, I also took my own pillow and 2 pretty pillow cases! ☺️

I’d also suggest getting out in the hall, walking every day! The infusions can take a while. The IV’s are portable so get out and push that pole around while walking. It makes the time go faster. I walked 4 miles every day in the hospital. Hahaha with a squeaky wheel on my IV cart! The nurses would laugh when I walked by…but then ‘gifted’ me with a new cart that didn’t make any noise! 😅
Anyway, you’re going to get through this!! I’m here for you if you need moral support, Jackie! Sending a hug!