AML successful treatment

Posted by lindagi @lindagi, Jan 6, 2025

Happy New Year! I want to share a happy treatment update for my wonderful response to Venetoclax and Dacogen (similar to Vidaza) for treatment of my AML. When I was diagnosed 3 years ago I was considered too old for transplant at age 78 here at the Mayo Clinic. I went into remission after my first cycle of treatment and have now stayed in remission for 3 years. My treatment has been ongoing and my team here has tweaked my routine several times to reduce side effects. Currently I am on a 5 week cycle of Venetoclax for 7 days at the same time I get Dacogen infusions for 3 days (recently reduced from 5 days). I will continue on some treatment routine as long as it is working. In the meantime I am enjoying a full life with family and friends although still taking precautions (weekly blood draws, avoiding folks with colds, etc.) .
I have learned a great deal throughout this period, including the variability of patient responses that can occur due to so many factors (genetics, other health conditions, etc.). I have also learned that there is at least one other patient here who is closing in on 5 years of remission with a similar routine! I am sharing my story to encourage you and wish all of you good outcomes as you face your treatment challenges.
Linda

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 14 8:35am

In reply to @jacklyn "@jacklyn oh if I pass the physio tomorrow I will be going home. I live with..." + (show)

Good morning, @jacklyn I hope you pass ‘inspection’ and can go home today!! Whoo whoo! That would be awesome! You’ve certainly come a long way in your recovery since being admitted to the hospital! It’ll feel pretty special going home to see your grandkids and family. And being able to sleep in your own bed is priceless, isn’t it?

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 14 8:41am

In reply to @jacklyn "@loribmt thanks for the hug. I need a lot of hugs these days. Since the bleeding..." + (show)

@jacklyn You’re getting some top notch medical care, my friend! I’m so relieved the blooding has stopped and that you’re able to get back on the Vidaza for your AML.

I don’t have first hand experience with eltrombopag. It helps to stimulate platelet production which is crucial for you right now. So it makes sense with the bleeding issues you incurred that this will be used along with the Vidaza.
Wishing you continued success now that you’re back in treatment after that scary setback!
I hope you’re able to go home today! Keep me updated, ok?

cathyphillips | @cathyphillips | 3 days ago

Hi I’m overjoyed with your story. 10 years ago, I had MDS and after two rounds of chemo it progressed to AML
I got a haploidentical stem cell transplant, using my sister as an unmatched donor and am currently still in remission. Is a transplant an option for you?

lindagi | @lindagi | 2 days ago

Hi,
When I was first diagnosed I did explore a stem cell transplant but was advised against it by my Mayo doctors because of my age. Sounds like the transplant was the right path for you - so glad for you!
Linda

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 2 days ago

In reply to @jacklyn "@jacklyn oh if I pass the physio tomorrow I will be going home. I live with..." + (show)

Hi @jacklyn Just checking in with you to see if you were able to go home after your stay in the hospital. I hope you're home, recovering now and able to continue vadiza and eltrombopag for AML. How are you feeling? Are you tolerating the meds better now?

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