Platelet infusions

I had AML and received a lot of infusions, both platelets and hemoglobin. My doctors told me that infusions were temporary fixes to stabilize my blood counts. What is your underlying condition? Knowing what it is will determine the long-term treatment.

My platelet number has been 13 for over a month. I've had three infusions of platelets that seem to keep it from going lower. My hemo is 7.1 and am having blood about once per week. Nothing is really working, just holding on. Any hope?

There is always hope. AML, if not treated quickly and aggressively, can progress rapidly as the immature, ineffective white blood cells (blasts) proliferate and crowd out healthy red cells. That’s why you’ll see your hemoglobin and platelets decreasing and wbc increasing.
Transfusions can work temporarily to help keep the vital blood numbers somewhat stable. From my experience, the drop in hemoglobin will continue bringing on extreme fatigue and weakness.
Did your doctor mention any treatments for you yet?

No treatments yet but my next "big" appointment with my hematologist/oncologist is June 8. We will make some kind of a plan, however, I'm not expecting anything positive.

I’m here if you want to talk about anything. This AML diagnosis hit you out of the blue and I know how quickly the disease and its side effects takes over mind and body. The exhaustion and weakness that it brings is debilitating. I wish you all the best with tomorrow’s appointment. I’m hoping you get some encouraging news to start a therapeutic treatment to keep it under control. 😊

Thank you for your comments. My appointment was about 4 hours long, including another platelets infusion. The major outcome, though, was a very frank discussion of what the future looks like. Bottom line is to start getting hospice services in my apartment for as long as possible and to avoid the hospital at all costs. In response to my question, "how long"? the doctor said three to six months.
Is there a group for those of us who are "counting the days"?

Yesterday was a defining moment for you. Having been diagnosed with AML myself, I was concerned this might be the discussion you’d be having with your doctor. I’m very sad that this was the case. It’s so unfair to have lived such a full and healthy life to the wonderful age of 92 and receive this news.

Honestly, even though the outcome of your appointment wasn’t filled with a long future, you have some comfort of time. When I was diagnosed it was so late in the game that I literally had no time and would have passed within a day if not for emergency treatment. But I was a bit younger (65) so it was an option for me with aggressive chemo and a bone marrow transplant. However, I would have had no opportunity for goodbyes, ‘getting my affairs in order’, sharing my stories or anything else because I ran out of time.

In a sense, we’re all basically counting our days and we all need the support of each other no matter where we are in our journey. There aren’t any specific groups in here for Counting the Days…but… you could start a discussion!

Now’s your chance! You have an open platform and I guarantee that you won’t be alone. We’re all here to encourage and help you along this next leg of your journey.

You can start a discussion in this group. Here’s a link to the page. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/blood-cancers-disorders/
You’ll see a spot under the heading where is says, Start a new discussion.
What do you think?

I see my cancer clinic again this week, however, today I was admitted to hospice.

I’m sorry to hear you started hospice yesterday. Do you have family and friends to help you through this difficult time?

Thank you for reaching out. Yes, I am blessed with love and support from my family, friends, and church. But, I realize and accept that one really takes this journey alone.