My dad has been diagnosed with BPDCN and are treating with both (ALL) & (AML) and had to stop first course of chemo due to bleed on the brain. Won't continue with chemo. It's in his blood and bone marrow. They say they got about 80%. He is having regular blood transfusions and platelets but will this continue when his health declines.
Hi PortiaW ,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. We hope you are going to find this a helpful and supportive place. My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists .
I am sorry to hear of your dad’s diagnosis and of the serious problems he has experienced during his first chemotherapy course. It must have been a very frightening time for him and for you. It is important that he is involved with decisions made about his health going forward.
BPDCN is a very rare cancer type and blood and platelets are often needed to manage symptoms and therefore improve quality of life, this is called supportive care. As dad’s health declines these transfusions may be needed more often.
It may now be a good time for your dad to think about what his wishes are for the future when it comes to treatment and care. Also to give him a chance to talk about his wishes with his family and his medical team.
We have some information about Advance Care Planning and Advance decision to refuse treatment . A first step could be asking dads consultant or Clinical Nurse Specialist about advance care planning. Dads own haematology team will be best placed to answer any questions and support him with future decisions and discussions around what may happen in relation to transfusions as his health declines.
When someone close to you has a cancer diagnosis, you may feel many different emotions. Sometimes it can help to talk things through. If you think that would help, please contact us on the Macmillan Support line.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.We are also on webchat and email.
Take care ,
Barbara S
Cancer Information Nurse specialist
Ref BS/KDf
