← Return to Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): What can I expect?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@loribmt

Hello @joycek the answer to your question: Anyone out there that has survived AML, that is elderly? Well, let’s just say…50s, 60s, 70s. Yes! I’m one of them, along with @alive @edb1123 @kt2013 and several other members. We’ve all required a bone marrow transplant after our initial treatment for AML, which has helped to put us in an enduring remission. We’re all here to offer encouragement and will answer any questions you have.

I also personally mentor several other patients at my local cancer clinic who have been diagnosed with AML. One woman, who is in her 50s didn’t have any mutations which can complicate treatment, so she didn’t require a transplant. She’s 2 years past diagnosis and doing fabulous after a few rounds of chemo.
3 other people I mentor are all in their late 60s, early 70s…required bone marrow transplants ( they are also stem cell transplants) and again, they’re doing really well.

Here is a link to a discussion full of conversations with members who have AML. You can reverse the order of the discussion from newest to oldest to get the most current replies.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-someone-address-acute-myeloidal-leukemia/
AML has a tendency to just show up out of nowhere and clip you right off at the knees without warning. That’s what happened to me too. The day after my 65th birthday was the first day of my symptoms. That was 4 years ago. I’m now 65, healthy, active and enjoying every day with my second chance with life. So yes, it is possible to get through this and you have a great group here who will help you along every step of the way.

Are you undergoing any treatment yet? Have you found out if there are any mutations linked with your diagnosis?

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hello @joycek the answer to your question: Anyone out there that has survived AML, that is..."

I was in the hospital for6 days. I anm home now and meeting with a dr from Moffett center who specializes in this hoping to start treatment right after as I know time is of the essence.

Great to hear your progress an success in beating AML I have MDs an possibly moving to aml an been told I can’t have stem cell transplant so I’m on chemo Inqovi an hoping it works

Good morning! 10 years ago today I was diagnosed with a high risk AML. I received induction chemotherapy while my 5 siblings got tested to be a peripheral stem cell donor for my transplant. I was also on a research study looking at more aggressive treatment for my high risk AML.
Blessings abound! My sister was a great match and I had my transplant in June 2013. I have been in remission since. And the type of chemo I got on the clinical trial is now the standard treatment patients receive at my clinic for AML with my mutations.
I have found great strength in my faith and my trust in my clinical team. I certainly had moments of great fear that I can clearly remember now 10 years later. But don’t let fear make your decisions, then cancer wins.
I also learned many important lessons through this experience, i.e. letting go of the idea I am in control, allowing others to help me with grace, and always looking for a way to help others. I find peace and blessings, one day at a time. Sending you peace and blessings!