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!!!!
