Hi @pefishback. I’d say if you’ve gone through induction/consolidation and your doctor feels you’re a candidate for active surveillance instead of BMT or maintenance therapy, then enjoy the break from chemo! Let your body heal.
I occasionally mentor AML patients for my local hospital/oncology center. One of the patients, who has become one of my closest friends, had AML with similar diagnosis as yours. NPM1 positive, FLT3 Neg. She had her induction, consolidations and that was all she required…which made her really hesitant! She’s now 4 years out and healthy! No further meds only routine blood work every 3 months.
We have several members, @lindagi @sonieaml @dancouclanel4, and others, with AML whom have not had a BMT as their treatment, share their experiences in this discussion.
AML Successful Treatment
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aml-successful-treatment/
I know and understand the underlying fear of the possibility of relapse. You’ve just gone through an epic journey with your chemo and now the prospect of ‘I’m all done?’ feels a bit incredulous. It’s difficult to move from patient, to survivor, to thriver and eventually to overcomer. At least those were the stages I personally felt. Slowly you’ll learn to believe that this is all working. And also, you’re not being left hanging out to dry. Your doctor will be monitoring you, through labs, on a regular schedule for any signs of relapse.
What chemo was used for your Induction/consolidation?
Thanks for such an informative and encouraging response. For induction, I was given what I hear referred to as the “7+3” regimen. I’m not sure, but I think the “7” was cytarabine. For consolidation, I received cytarabine, spread out over four hospital stays, spaced four weeks apart. For the last consolidation, the dosage was reduced a little bit. This may be because I had been admitted twice previously for neutropenic fevers between successive visits. Or perhaps because my numbers went so low after my third stay. I’m not sure.