Hi everyone, this is my first time on this forum. My mum(76 years old), was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) 3 weeks ago, this was such a shock for us all, as no one expected it. We given some information to read through at home, at the same time we were told that if my mum decided to have treatment it would be the non-intensive treatment. We went back 2 days later to see the doctor, my mum what the prognosis was and was told that without treatment it could be days maybe weeks, that felt like a punch to the stomach, but with treatment it could be weeks maybe months, has anyone else been told this. She has decided to try the treatment as she knows that she can stop it at anytime. What I am finding hard is, knowing that she probably hasn’t got long left with us but not knowing how long. I feel like I am not sleeping properly. Please tell me I am not the only one feeling like this.
Hi Liz, you are not the only one feeling like this. My perfectly fit and healthy 79 year old mum was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at the beginning of August. We have been told more or less the same as you. I have been in complete shock ever since, my hair has even started to fall out. We are absolutely heartbroken. I’m just spending as much time as I can with her. Like you said, you just don’t know for sure how long they have with us which makes life even more distressing. If you ever want to chat, I’m here. Sarah x
Hello @Liz18
Thank you for your post.
We are so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis and can imagine this was a shock to you and all of your family and that this is a difficult time for you all.
Please know that you are not alone and should you wish to talk things through, you can contact one of our support services nurses on 0808 2080 888.
In case it is helpful, we have a page on Looking after yourself when someone you love has blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK. It talks about looking after our mental health and ways of accessing emotional and psychological support. There’s also information around supporting someone going through treatment - How to support someone through blood cancer treatment | Blood Cancer UK.
In addition to these pages, we have some information on non-intensive treatment for Acute myeloid leukaemia (Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)) in case this is useful Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) non-intensive treatment | Blood Cancer UK
Do take care, we hope others can share their experiences with you, sending warm wishes,
Emma (support services nurse)