AML successful treatment

That is so true about having someone with you. Although I’m an RN, I am also now the patient & that changes things!
My husband will be with me & we will both be taking notes!
I’ll keep everyone posted. Thankful to have found this group.
Diane

Hi @bettersleep68 It’s not unusual mid cycle for blood numbers to drop. Basically, chemo targets quickly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. But it’s not discriminatory so it can impact all of the rapidly dividing cells such as red/white/platelets, mucosal lining of stomach, intestines, mouth, hair follicles and nails. During mid month the drop reaches a low point called neutropenia or nadir. At least for me, that was several days of low mental and physical energy. Then the numbers start to climb again, just in time again for the next round of chemo.

It’s not uncommon for a drug such as Neupogen or Neulasta to be administered the day following the last day of a chemo round. These meds can promote faster neutrophil production. These WBC’s are important for fighting infection.
During this time of neutropenia, be vigilant for any sign of infection such as a fever. If you develop a fever of 101.3 let your cancer team know right away.

Has your doctor mentioned an injection of Neulasta?

Treatment for aml
.with chemo...wbc2.54. Platelets 51.ooo
...getting nervous
.how to bring wbc up.any information greatly appreciated

You are most welcome. Do let us know how the Transplant team meeting goes! The folks at Stanford in Palo Alto, CA had a lot of information and a plan already when I met with their team. Gave me a lot to think about. I will be honest it was overwhelming at first. I am sure you have someone going with you, right? My friend took notes and asked questions too; having someone with me was incredibly helpful. She heard and understood things I didn’t hear or understand. Best wishes and prayers going out to you 😉

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me.
I have no idea what to expect when meeting with the transplant doctor. I look at it as information gathering.
It is so encouraging to hear you have a plan that is working for you.
God bless!

Diane I wanted to share that I have been on Dacogen and Ventclexta for almost one year and have to say the side effects for me have been non-existent. I elected to forego a BMT and am instead on maintenance for my AML. Through many months (and weekly blood draws) we may have narrowed down the combo that works for me: 1 day dacogen and 3 days Ventclexta…treatment every 6-7 weeks. I hope your meeting with the transplant team goes well. Do keep us updated. In the meantime prayers for everyone on this site

Thanks for your post, Jim.
I just started dacogen this past Monday. So far so good but it is early in treatment. I am optimistic and positive. I have a meeting with a transplant team on the 17th.
My wonderful husband (also a Jim) is my biggest supporter.
I am happy to hear your wife is doing so well. Prayers for her continued success!
Diane

My wife Nancy was diagnosed with MDS in June of 2023 at age 78. She was asymptomatic so no treatments were done. The Cleveland Clinic diagnosed her with AML in December. Since we live in Georgia we went to MAYO Jax for treatments starting in January 2024. Since then she has had 10 cycles, some delayed due to delay in blood count recovery. Like Linda, her injections were reduced from 7 to 5 days, and her cycle rotation lengthened from 4 to 5 weeks. This has resulted in her feeling a lot better. During this period she has had four biopsies, two due to getting opinions both at Cleveland and Mayo. She is in remission as well so we are pleased with the protocol changes. Mayo watches over her labs, but our local oncologist is administering treatments and recommending modifications. All working so well so far. We are approaching two years since initial diagnosis.
Jim

In May 2023 MDS went to AML with 16% blasts. Blood #s were all over the place, transfusions sometimes 3 or 4 times a week. Blasts got to 26% by Dec '23....hospitalized to start vidaza and Venetoclax...7x14. By January 2 all numbers were in safe levels. By September 2024 AML was in remission. No transfusion since July 2024...on 15th cycle living near normal life at 80 yo. My care team at OCSRI Tulsa OK is first drawer. Blood # s are now dancing around suggesting other movements to the good. We'll take it.
It's been a journey. As you I was fearful 😰 of tomorrow's. Find joy in family, friends, and relatives. Do things that purposely challenge your grit. There's a beautiful world out there. Good luck.

So glad for you and the success of your treatment..started my treatment in February and hope and pray I do as well as you.
Would like to hear more successful stories..I am scared and hope my treatment gets me into remission this summer