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← Return to AML, age 78, taking Decetabine/ Venetoclax, no transplant
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AML, age 78, taking Decetabine/ Venetoclax, no transplant
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 4 10:07pm | Replies (83)Comment receiving replies
They are starting me on that combination. I am 73 & diagnosed AML/MDS. Round 1 was Decitabine. I’m now on Round 2 Decitabine and Venetoclax. I’m tolerating it very well. The only issue is dry mouth (biotene rinse is very helpful) and constipation (daily MiraLAX and Colace). Occasionally I need milk of magnesium for it.
One more round of combo chemo and thereafter a bone marrow biopsy. My initial BMB had blasts 20-25% and I have 8 gene mutations.
But I remain quite hopeful and positive that I’ll get to a stem cell transplant! I am very diligent about avoiding groups of people, masking, hand washing, brushing teeth, avoiding any pets, no open windows etc. I’m in the family home, just my brother and me. Siblings set up the large master bedroom & bath like a mini studio apartment - so I have a little refrigerator & microwave, as well as my computer, printer and TV. Not bad !
I hope this helps you, Nancy
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@nbiagini Welcome to Connect, Nancy. The success of the combination of Decitabine and Venetoclax has really been encouraging for so many AML patients. Years ago we didn’t have those options, so this has been wonderful game changer! I’m happy to hear you’re tolerating the drugs well.
I’m marveling at comments about your living arrangements and your diligence in protecting yourself to avoid illness and infections. All of this puts you at the head of the class when you get to the point of having the stem cell transplant. All of these things come into play during recovery. So you’ll be able to return right back to your normal environment. Kudos to you!
You mentioned your first BMT showed blasts of 20-25%. Have you had any followup blood tests to show how well the first round of chemo worked in reducing your blasts? Or will a BMB be taken after this 2nd round?