My Dad was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at the end of February. Before this the only thing that had been a bit different was that he’d started having an extra nap during the day. Within a week he’d started treatment, the non intensive as he has other conditions and he wouldn’t be able to cope with intensive treatment. Since then he’s barely out of bed, the last few days he has been trying to get up a bit more but he’s just so tired all the time. Is this normal? We were told initially that without treatment he’d have 6 months and that with treatment, if it worked then maybe 12 to 18 months.
Dad is having another bone marrow biopsy this week to see whether or not the chemo is working. I think hes thinking is it worth it
I know everyone is different but has anyone any experience of having an initial prognosis like my Dad but then ended up in remission ?
Id be grateful to hear from anyone that is currently undergoing chemo or has finished.
Thank you so.much for reading.
A great big welcome @Suz, you are not alone now you are part of our forum.
I cannot speak to you medically and these really are questions that your dad, hopefully with your input, asks his medical team when his bone marrow biopsy results come back.
As you yourself say everyone is different and your dad also has other conditions which his team are taking into account.
I hope others might be able to share their their personal experiences.
Perhaps a way forward might be for the 2 of you to sit down together and for you both to write down exactly how he is now doing and feeling, your fears, questions and practicalities to ask his specialist nurse or consultant at that meeting when his results are back and have a really honest talk and don’t leave till you get answers.
Please do let us know how you get on.
It is a tough time for both of you and we are here for you both to share how it really is for you.
Really look after and be kind to yourselves and please do keep posting
Sorry to hear the news about your Dad. It is great that you have found this forum. It is such a safe and supportive place to be.
As @Erica has pointed out everyone’s cancer journey is different. If any consolation, my daughter was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at 20 years old and it totally wiped her out. I think it is positive to think of the naps/sleep as something the body needs to do.
Do ask lots of questions to your Dad’s team. Take care of yourself and please keep posting here. We look after each other and you can also book a call with @BloodCancerUK-SupportTeam for further support.
So sorry that you’re having to post here, but welcome!
I completely agree with all the wonderful wisdom provided already. There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but talking to the care team might be helpful in setting expectations and understanding a bit more about both routes.
My husband is 32 and has Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), he has at times been wiped out by the chemo and has experienced neutropenic sepsis after every round. It has been hard on his body, and he has needed lots of rest, sleeping and reduced timetable of activities and expectations. Sending you all best wishes and good thoughts.