Hey I'm Chris
Just after st Patrick's day on the 18/3/22 my younger brother was diagnosed with AML. Since that diognoses he has been on a ventilator and put in a state of heavy sedation during his chemo as his breathing is laboured and he's been very agitated. My mum spoke with the doctor and he has said this course of chemo stops tomorrow and hopefully it's helped we won't know for a few weeks. But he also said if his body isn't well enough and the chemo hasn't helped that they will stop with the treatment. I'm just very confused that all this has happened so fast and if anyone else had any experience with this? Thanks in advance for any information my brother is 32 in April
Hi Conzo and welcome to this corner of the Community although I am sorry to read the reason you are joining us. I am Mike and I help out around our various blood cancer groups.
I don’t have AML but was diagnosed in 1999 with a rare, incurable but treatable type of NHL Stage 4a so although my blood cancer ‘type’ is different I know this journey rather well.
It sounds like this has been a very traumatic time for all the family. At times blood cancers can become very aggressive in a very short and the ability to treat is very limited. AML can indeed at times be very aggressive limiting the effectiveness of treatments.
I have talked with a number of folks across our blood cancer groups and unfortunately this has been their or family members story.
Consultants will balance quality of life against the negative effects that treatment if any can have on a persons well-being.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone on a cancer journey like this you may benefit from joining our supportive Supporting someone with incurable cancer group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
You may also find our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Always around if you want to chat more
I honestly can’t answer this question as each journey can be ever so different but based on my journey (see my profile)….. back in late 2013 my condition of 14 years became very aggressive when I was given two to two and a half years on the clock with the only hope being chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant…… or going onto palliative care. But I was physically fit so we rolled the dice and came up with its doubles six.
This is a question that needs to asked directly to your brothers clinical team.
Hi Mike
My brother sadly passed away this evening. Around 11am he had a blead on the brain caused by a possible stroke.
The swelling was far to significant and it would have resulted in loss of life after a few days so on specialists advice in Belfast City hospital all equipment that wasn't working was slowly turned down and passed away a matter of hours after this at 5pm.
Two weeks to the day of his diagnosis and 2weeks before his 31st birthday.
Thank you Mike for everything and best of luck on your journey 
Conzo I am so so sorry to hear your news. Blood cancers can be so challenging and unfortunately this can be the unfortunate result. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
You may find Bereaved family and friends group a good place to talk with others who have walked this challenge pathway ((hugs))
