Just been diagnosed and overwhelmed

Hi  and welcome to this corner of the Community although always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike Thehighlander and I help out around our blood cancer groups.

I don’t have AML but was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare incurable but treatable skin Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 4a and although my blood cancer ‘type’ is different I have experienced most types of treatments used but not necessarily the exact same drug mix but understand this journey rather well unfortunately.

The suddenness of this will be hard to comprehend. AML can be aggressive so needs to be treated aggressively with the types of treatment used for AML often requiring long hospital stays.

I had a number of one month stays during my treatments but fortunately my wife got into to see me. Can you actually get in to visit as some hospitals are allowing a designated person who are doing regular Covid tests?

It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.

To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section. 

Always around to chat ((hugs))

Thank you, it is so nice to get support and know that we are not alone. The hospital does allow one visitor for an hour a day but it's hard to get to as I do not drive but we will manage. 

When I was having my two Stem Cell Transplants (hit my community name for my story) we had to move down from Inverness to Glasgow for a month for the first then 7 weeks for the second.

My wife actually had a room on the ward but at times I was so out of it I would only see her an hour or so each day as I slept a lot.

It’s amazing how you, your family and friends will pull together and make this work ((hugs))

Hi Josaro. We were in the same position as you 6 months ago. My husband was diagnosed in April, and spent 6 weeks in hospital in May/June. At the time I could only visit twice a week for an hour. I also had the same transport problems as I don't drive, had to catch 2 buses each way, both were only running 2 hourly at that time, so spent a lot of my time either on buses or waiting for them! It's worth it to the one who is in hospital though, as its the only time they get to see someone from outside. We phoned every day but the reception on the ward was rubbish! Its a bombshell when you get the diagnosis, then it seems to be one appointment after another until admission, then you are on your own and wonder what to do with yourself, and your mind goes into overdrive wondering what is going on at the hospital, and panicking if the phone call if a few minutes late! Look after yourself, and start planning now for a few things to do when he is in, things like going to the hairdressers, as you may be at home with him more when he first comes home. Keep in touch with friends and family. Hope it all goes well for you both.

Thank you. Hope all goes well for you.