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AML successful treatment
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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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 😉
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4 ReactionsTreatment for aml
.with chemo...wbc2.54. Platelets 51.ooo
...getting nervous
.how to bring wbc up.any information greatly appreciated
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?
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