My mother in law was diagnosed with AML at the beginning of October. She has always been active and bursting with energy. Over the last month or so she has been unable to eat due to feeling sick all the time. She has been given tablets to help with the sickness but still cannot stomach food. All she is managing to eat is half a banana for breakfast. Anything she tries to eat makes her feel so unwell and goes straight through her. She is having transfusions fortnightly. They usually give her 2 units of blood but this always makes her unwell for a few days after. We have asked if they can give her just one unit but have been given different answers from different professionals. She cannot climb the stairs at the moment as this makes her feel weak and like she will faint. It’s heartbreaking seeing her like this. When she was diagnosed, we were told that it is aggressive and she could have anything between a few months and a year. She is afraid that she is going to be on her own when she dies. Because of covid, we don’t really have any contact with anyone we can ask for help and advice. Is her being unable to eat a sign that things are progressing? She is also constantly thirsty and nothing quenches her thirst. This is very unusual for her as she has never drunk a lot in all the years I’ve known her. I know we can’t change her prognosis, but I would like to be able to help her or at least be prepared and know when things are progressing and what we can do. Thank you in advance
Hi Guffalo
I am so sorry to read about your mother in laws diagnosis and the subsequent difficulties that she has been experiencing, and also how difficult it is for you to see her feeling weak and unable to mobilise as she previously did.
I have noticed on your previous post that Thehighlander has already directed you to other areas of the website, but I wanted to respond to you here, although I am not too familiar with AML , so it is difficult for me to comment. Ask a Nurse may be the best area to post some of your questions written above, for a more professional answer as to whether the experiences she is going through now are an indication of any kind.
With regards to quenching thirst, I can only suggest something along the lines of the starburst sweets, if this is something she is able to tolerate, she could try one of these sweets after a glass of water. Alternatively an Alker Seltzer may ease the thirst and also settle her stomach.
I do hope that you get some other more productive answers shortly.
Best Wishes to you all.
Lowe'
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