Have just found out (monday) that my dad, aged 65 has AML. To say that it came as a shock to us all is an understatement as he's not even been ill!! In fact, my dad is probably fitter than me as he and my mum go to the gym at least 3 times a week - they decided to do that so they could keep up with their grandchildren, lol!!!
In fact, the only reason we know this now is that last Wednesday he went for a routine blood test as part of his blood pressure clinic, and that night got the dreaded phone call to take himself to the local hospital there and then for more tests as there were 'abnormalities' in his blood. A few days later they diagnosed AML, much to the shock of the whole family. I think that's what has made it so hard to come to terms with as there had been NO signs of ill health at all.
The doctors have been very positive about the chances of the chemotherapy working, due to his health & fitness, so we are trying very hard to keep that in focus.
Now, 4 days after diagnosis he is in hospital, with the line inserted in his chest awaiting the start of chemotherapy on Monday. The treatment was meant to start today, but due to 'staff shortages' it was cancelled at the last minute which was rather distressing as we had all mentally geared ourselves up for it to begin!! They even wanted to send him home again for the weekend, but couldn't give 100% guarantee he would have a bed for Monday - can you believe it!!! Thankfully he decided he would rather stay in so as not to jeopardise the start of the treatment.
So that's where we are now......still trying to wrap our heads around the fact that one week ago dad was healthy and happy & now - WALLOP- he's in a hospital bed awaiting chemotherapy. So many questions racing round my head...why??, how?? what's going to happen next?? what will chemo do to him?? & so many others that seem to appear at 3am..ping!!!!
FormerMember
Sorry about the diagnosis. Hang in there, Clarebear, you've no choice but to give the treatment a chance. Shame about the delay, but it happens sometimes. At least Docs are optomistic & your Dad is a fit man. Sleeplessness is the pits, but it will pass once things settle down a bit. Chemo has its downs, but if it works, it's worth it.
Talk to your Dad about it, if you can. He'll have his thoughts too.
I'm not surprised you're reeling with shock. The last few days must have seemed like a nightmare, and I'm sorry to hear your dad has AML. I was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in my nose last year and can relate to what you've experienced. I wasn't ill at all, all I had was a blocked nose, then I was told it was lymphoma - not what I was expecting. At least your dad is now in hospital about to start treatment. The bed system is a nightmare. I had to spend a week in hospital twice for specialised chemo and they couldn't tell me if a bed would be available until about 2 hours before it was. Try and take things one step at a time. I can understand you're reeling from it all, but if you find out what chemo he's having you can then find out more about it and any side effects he might have. Look on this site for info or call one of the Macmillan nurses, and try and see your dad's consultant as well, and make a list of all your questions. What is it about 3am that makes the brain go overactive?! All the very best to you and your dad.
Thanx very much for our reply...it gives me comfort to know there are other people out there who are going through/have been through all this. I think we're all getting our heads round the diagnosis now & accepting that it is what it is. Even dad feels slightly less anxious about the chemo after having a good long chat with the docs. He is due to start treatment tomorrow morning - keeping fingers crossed for him x
Thanx so much for your reply - it is a comfort to hear from others who are experiencing similar things. I think we've all calmed down a bit now and got our heads around the diagnosis a bit better now. Obviously a little anxious about the chemo tomorrow and hoping that dad copes with it well. I have found out what chemo he is having and have looked it up on here so feel a little better about that now. Sleep has been a little easier!!! Best wishes to you x
how did chemo go, both for you and dad, middle of the night is always the worst, brain goes into overdrive, hence im writing this 4.45am, good luck to you and yours, take care viv
