Hello everyone,
It’s my first time posting here, last week, my husband (25) had a mandatory medical check-up in his office, the result shows low thrombocyte levels, subsequent tests shows the present of blast cell on his bloodstreams.
We’re currently awaiting the results of his bone-marrow biopsy. It’s been a week, but he feels fine, despite blood tests showing otherwise. Doctors said it’s currently pointing to leukemia.
My husband is a very positive person, the exact opposite of me who’s a worry-wart and anxiety ridden We’re trying to stay positive, but the quiet nights when the distraction of life left me, I get sad looking at his sleeping face.
We just got married this February, at the 14th, and it has been the best months of my life.
Now I’m worried and scared, with the side effects, is treatment the best way for him considering he still feels okay? Any advice or encouragement on what I should do? Does early detection helps in treatment?
Also, thank you so much for this forum, I really don’t know who to ask or who to talk to regarding this issue. And Thank you, for reading this long post!
May you all have a great day and blessed with a happy life
I’m really glad you found us as it’s really important you have the space to share how you are feeling.
Waiting for test results is so hard isn’t and it’s those quiet times when thoughts start running around our mind.
What I would say - and I know it’s not easy - is try not to think to far ahead. There are so many different treatment options and sometimes treatment isn’t needed straight away.
When I was diagnosed (with a different blood cancer) I know my husband found it so difficult - we both did because it had come out of the blue and I was feeling fine. He just let me know I was there if I needed to talk. He was so helpful at appointments and made sure all of the questions were asked and that he notes down the answers. This was brilliant because at times it was all a bit too much for me.
Remember the blood cancer support line is there if you need to talk things through.
There is always somebody on here to listen so please keep posting. We all understand the worry of waiting and trying to get on with things.
Thank you so much for your reply!
We just got the diagnosis and it was Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) M2.
Treatment starts next week, we’re planning to take a trip to his mother’s house and inform all the families.
Your husband seems to be a very good caretaker, and I suppose will be a role model for me, your reply also helps me understand what my husband might be feeling as the diagnosed.
Taking things one step at a time… Is there any tips or any advice?
I’m glad you haven’t had to wait to long for the diagnosis and you now know what the plan is. I always feel better when I have a plan!
Telling the family can be tough. I kept it together really well as they were so upset I didn’t want to add to that, but inside was finding it so hard. Your husband might be completely different to me though as we all deal with things in different ways.
I suppose for me, he was just there when I needed him. He asked what I needed and sometimes I didn’t actually know. It varied from day to day. Sometimes it was a hug. Sometimes I just wanted to carry on as normal. Sometimes I needed to get away.
As for him, seeing me go through it was tough and it’s so important that you look after yourself as well and have somebody you can talk to. Things you may not be able to say to your husband. Don’t bottle up your feelings as you are a big part of this.
Support groups are great, the helpline is amazing and this forum was a life saver.
I have shared some information below that may help.
Take good care of yourself and keep posting. There are lots of partners on here who share their experiences and who you will help by sharing yours
Hi @Avocadocheesecake and welcome to the Forum. You seem to have picked up the worry mantle for your family and your husband sounds a very positive person. I know when I got my diagnosis that I was actually relieved. I’d been in a lot of pain and nobody believed me so I felt vindicated when they were actually forced to confront what was happening to me and I felt at last I had a known enemy to fight once I got my treatment plan. That enabled me to start thinking about how my routine was going to change and how I was going to cope with it. I didn’t think too far ahead but occasionally I allowed my thoughts to drift to the days when the treatment would be over and I could return to some sort of normality. It’s always a difficult time and I really feel for you in what you are going through. The way I coped was to take my wins when I could get them even if they were only small. Enjoy one or two simple pleasures when the chance came and that helped keep my morale up. Your husband is very lucky to have you. Hoep things go well for you and do let us know how you get on.
Hello again,
and Thank you, @Nichola75 and @Franko for the kind responses!
It’s been about a month since his first diagnosis, and we’ve been doing quite well, mentally, at least. I’m really sorry for my late response, it’s been a whirlwind of doctors, dentists, specialists and transfusions as we prep for his first intensive chemotherapy.
It’s currently his fourth day of chemo in the isolation room (I believe its called the ICIR or the positive pressure room in some places). The symptoms has started to show with some bruises in his calf, and bleeding on his operculectomy scars (His haematologist recommended him to have it in order to prevent infection during this very phase). I’ve learned not to worry as much seeing that all the doctors and nurses are very helpful, and is currently focused on keeping a positive mood, and be there when he needs me. Bottling up my feelings is really something that happened, and @Nichola75 ‘s advice really helped me to navigate my thoughts and emotions in a way that doesn’t jeopardize it.
Right now, what he feels is some mild nausea and lost of appetite, I’m planning on bringing him some small snacks. He still feels lonely as I’ve been with him every step of the way, yet now he has to face it alone (at least physically). Trying to keep a positive outlook everyday for him!
Thank you so much for the update. Never apologise for the late reply. We all understand how overwhelming this can be so you just hop on to the forum when you’re ready.
I’m really glad your husband has a good medical team around him. It helps you both and reassurance is what you need.
I’m glad to hear you are looking after yourself to. It’s so hard to do but so important.
You know where we are if you need us. I’ll check in in a few days but there is no pressure to reply. Just to let you know I’m thinking about you both x
As @Nichola75 said, no need to apologise. The forum is here to support you in whatever way it can. I’ve been quite ill the last few weeks so missed a lot of the latest updates, but it’s nice for you to tell us how you are getting along. It might seem like a never ending road, but you’ll find inner strength you didn’t know you had as will your husband and there will be better days which you will treasure all the more because of this.
Still not great. Some pretty nasty chest infections which seem to go on forever. On top of which I’m being made redundant and may have to find somewhere else to live.
Oh @Franko that is 3 major things you have going on and you know what I am going to say the most important thing is looking after yourself, however the other 2 things are really, really stressful. xx
We are really sorry to hear this. It sounds like you have a lot going on and we can imagine this is a challenging time for you.
We hope that you are feeling okay and you have kept your treatment team up to date with how you are doing and what is going on.
Please do look after yourself and we hope you have support around you, if you would like to talk through anything with one of our nursing team, do get in touch on 0808 2080 888.
We’re trying to stay positive, but the quiet nights when the distraction of life left me, I get sad looking at his sleeping face.