Hi, This is the first time that I have posted on this forum (or indeed any forum).
My son (27 years old) was diagnosed with AML approx. 7 weeks ago, which was further diagnosed as FLT3, just prior to commencement of his first chemo.
He finished his first chemo approx 2.5 weeks ago and is still in hospital.
Just prior to, during and since his chemo, he has suffered with infection (generally around his mouth and throat), for which he has been treated with IV antibiotics.
He has suffered (within the past 3 or so weeks) from pain caused by what appears to be emerging wisdom teeth, although the pain manifests itself more as a tooth ache. This has developed in the last 3 or 4 days into both the tooth ache and a sore throat. His throat being so sore today, that he cant eat, speak or drink. It is believed that the infection is likely to be viral rather than bacteria based (further tests are underway at present).
It may seem like a silly question, but is there anyone that has had a similar experience and had a specific drug or treatment prescribed that helped calm the pain in the throat.
I understand and appreciate that he is surrounded at present by an excellent and very caring NHS team, but just want to feel that I am doing what I can to understand the situation and to perhaps help!!
Thankyou
Hi and welcome to this corner of the Community although always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike 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 type of 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.
Some of the treatments used are very very strong and will effect our bodies ability to fight infections.......and infections can often appear in the weakest points in the body........ mouth and throat being high on the list.
It sounds like your son is having a bad time and mouth and throat infections unfortunately can happen a lot and often ends requiring a feeding tube put down the noise..... not great but essential to get some nutrition in.
From my experience its all down to trusting his medical team to get the right meds in place and a significant amount of perseverance on your son's part.
It's not great looking on seeing this happen (my wife's words) and you will feel powerless but it all about trusting the professionals.
Lets see if some of the AML Group members are looking in.
Always around to chat.
