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75 year old father just diagnosed with AML
My father 75 year old father, Greg, was diagnosed with AML yesterday at the VA Hospital in Madison. The results for his genetic testing are not yet in, but the doctor advised us the best case scenario is 18 months with chemotherapy and only 2 months otherwise. My father has been very healthy his entire life; however, this past winter he started feeling extremely tired, began having pain in his joints, and looked extremely pale. He had his first blood infusion on Thursday and is going to start chemotherapy on May 13th. Most, if not all, of the research I am reading says my dad is not a candidate for a stem cell transplant, which seems to give patients the best opportunity to beat this horrible disease. I am heartbroken and lost and any suggestions or experiences anyone is willing to share to help me better help my dad would be much appreciated. Thanks Ryan.
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Hi Lori,
My dad seems like he's getting stronger and starting to feel better (he's also put on 10 pounds!). Yesterday, I took him for a blood transfusion, and they don't believe he will need one next week (fingers crossed). His red blood cells and platelets are starting to go up, but his white blood cells are still below one, so they are delaying his second round of chemo a week. They are hoping for his white blood cell count will rebound somewhere between 2-3 before his next round of chemo.
Talk to you soon,
Ryan
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1 ReactionThis is such great news, Ryan! I’m so happy Greg is feeling better! It can take a while but once those blood numbers start climbing again, it can make all the difference in the world for the overall general feeling of health and well-being…right in time for the next round. But it gives promise to Greg to know he can feel better again and so with the next round he’ll know what to expect. Though just so you know, from my experience, rebound can take a little longer after each round of chemo.
Having to delay chemo briefly isn’t unusual either while waiting for some slow-poke cells to come up to normal. Sometimes the day after the last day of chemo, doctors will give patients an injection of Neulasta to help boost the white blood count.
In any event, I’d say your dad is every bit the trooper he’s been throughout his life! Give him my best and keep me updated! Lori