hi, my mother is 64 and was diagnosed with AML 4 days ago, she has now developed 2 infections during this time and is currently in hospital with oxygen and her levels keep dropping without it, we were told that she will be starting treatments soon but she keeps developing infections and im worrying about her constantly she also has other health problems as well and suffers mental health. since the diagnosis im struggling to get our heads around it. i feel this is the only place where i can get help and maybe reassurrance and would be grateful if i could here others experiences both those with this awful illness and family members who are around them thank you .
Hi leopardkat and welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us and especially sorry to hear about your mum’s AML diagnosis. I am Mike and I help out around our various Blood Cancer groups.
I don’t have AML but I was diagnosed back 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.
A member of the family being diagnosed with a blood cancer can be such a shock and it does take time to get your head in order to be able to see the light in the dark forest…… but you will get there.
Infections are unfortunately normal but her clinical team will be on this. I have been told n this position a number of times being on oxygen 24/7 for weeks but once the antibiotics kick n this will improve.
Lets look for some of the group members to pick up on your post. You can also look through the various posts (hit the main group name and scroll down) and as always you can hit reply and ask some questions and see if the member is looking in.
For good information do check out Leukaemia Care UK who produce very good information and various support platforms including their Buddy Scheme where you can be connected up with someone who has walked the walk.
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 and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Always around to help more or just to chat
