AML

Hi Ummy welcome to the forum.and I am so sorry to hear your news. I don't know enough about your query to answer with any helpful tips. However, my colleague and fellow champ "The Highlander" is very knowledgeable in these areas and will be along soon to offer support and information for you. 

Thank you so much. It just hurts seeing him like this he is only 41 and very fit and active. He also suffered a stroke due to a bleed in the brain which is now stable, he is however now has loss of feeling in on his left side. 

Hi UmmY and a second warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us and to hear about your brother in law.

I am Mike and I keep an eye on our various Blood Cancer groups.

I don’t have Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)  but for some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of slow growing Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma…. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive type of fast growing High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma was then presenting so although my blood cancer ‘type’ is different I most definitely appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.

His unfortunate stroke has rather complicated an already demanding treatment journey…… your questions with regards to….. when will he be walking and talking properly again need to go to his medical team.

The post effects of a Stroke both physically and mentally can be ever so different….. and going through strong chemo will definitely affect how he recovers.

You may want to join our general Family and Friends support group where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same family support challenges.

Although the link below is taken from a Lymphoma site it has some good suggestions….

     Top tips for family, friends and carers

From the same site there is also a good link about food…… but it is important to remember that during chemotherapy his immune system is compromised so some foods like life yogurt, unpasteurised cheese…. basically the foods that an expectant mother are told not to eat should not be eaten.

     Top tips for healthy eating

You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

For good information do check out Leukaemia Care UK who produce very good information and run various support platforms including their Buddy Scheme, they also have a Support Line on 08088 010 444

You may also want to check to see if you have a Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and give support for all the family.

Always around to help more or just to chat

Hiya Ummy,

So sorry to hear about your situation. I am also undergoing treatment for AML currently and am sorry to hear the added issues that have presented themselves for you all. Bleeding is a big risk during treatment so glad they have it under control. 

With regards to some of your questions, chemo effects your taste and appetite, but anything protein rich is great for keeping your energy stores up and muscles strong ready for when your body begins to regenerate. I prefer this in the form of Yoghurts as they are easily edible and something I can still tolerate. 

There should be a dietician at the hospital who can guide you further with this. I know I've been seen by two during my first round of treatment.

With regards the walking and talking, this depends. My mother had a serious stroke last year and is still undergoing physical therapy to talk and walk again independently. It really depends on the severity of the stroke and how strong he is to complete the physio.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. 

Sending well wishes your way. 

Take care.