My father diagnosed with AML

Hi Anna73436ec3 , I am ever so sorry to hear about your dad….. this is such a challenging and stressful time for you all…. made wire by him being in Sweden.

My story is rather different having lived with and been treated for 2 very rare types of Lymphomas for over 25 years……. so I have no first hand experience to bring to the table.

I am not aware of any group members who are dealing with this exact issue you but let’s see who picks up on your post…… in the meantime, you may benefit from joining and posting in our Communities general……

  Family and Friends

  Supporting someone with incurable cancer

……. support groups where you may well connect with members who are navigating the exact same support challenges.

It is an emotional time supporting family so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions.

The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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 or just a listening ear.

Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))

Hi Mike,

Thanks for you reply and I am so sorry for  what you have been going through.

Thanks for all the valuable advice, I just find it hard to deal with all of my emotions at the moment.

i had the feeling that it would progress to AML but still you can never prepare yourself to loose someone.

it is an awful disease and I just want my dad to be free of pain but to accept the fact that he soon will be leaving us is just heartbreaking..

I will look into allt the support there is. 

Thanks Anna

Hi Anna,️

I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis — it’s heartbreaking, especially when it all happens so quickly. The distance between you must make everything feel even harder.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with AML myself (I’m 36), and for me it’s the other way round — my mum has been really shaken by it and is very delicate at the moment. So I can understand how overwhelming it is for a family to suddenly face this, no matter the age or direction.

It’s good that your dad will have palliative support at home and can be kept comfortable, especially since chemo isn’t right for him. I know the uncertainty around time is agonising, but you’re not alone in how you’re feeling. While having treatment I am unable to see my children due to their young age and risk of germs. The weeks/ months now without seeing them has been the hardest part for me. 

Sending love and strength to you and your family x

Hi Anna, 

I am so  sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad lives 5 hours away and family communication is sparse so I am in the dark however the nursing staff at the hospital have been helpful when phoning. My Dad is in his 80's, he was given a prognosis without treatment of 2 years, he has a little bit of treatment but this was stopped very early on due to other risks. He has been living at home and managing well for last 2 years, with medication and occasional removal of 'sticky blood

 Over the last 4 weeks he has unfortunately deteriorated and has developed a rash over most of his body that itches, he has lost his appetite and was admitted to hospital and palliative care is now being considered .  My Dad is no longer talking on the phone and is very tired. 

I am sure your Dad knows you love him very much and I know how difficult it is to be so far away. Its so difficult to decide when, if at all to visit. I know.Dad is tired, sleeping a lot and not really communicating much.

Sending hugs and support