Morning
In the space of just a week my 68 year old dad has gone from feeling a bit ropey with a cough/chest infection and having his AML diagnosis from a blood/bone marrow sample to being in ICU on full life support with us being told they werent sure if he would make it through the night. One week......
Has really knocked me and my mum for six.
He made it through the night and was slightly strong enough to start half dose DA chemo. They were even debating that. This was upgraded to full dose the following day. This was great news that he was getting stronger but the consultant warned that the chemo would most likely knock him back. They had wanted to give him the newer course of chemo developed through Covid but as it is tablet based and he is on a ventilator this wasnt possible.
We have also been told he has some heart damage but they are unsure whether this is just bruising or permanent. He is on kidney dialysis and they tried to take him off that for a few days but after a few hours they put him back on it.
Its just so hard waiting.... waiting to see if the chemo is working, waiting to see if it will make his support requirements more than the machines can give....
I didnt get to speak to him before he was intubated and sedated as I had left him in ICU on the CPAP and all was stable. It was then a rush to ventilate him.
I feel I want to celebrate him improving slightly, but with all the setbacks I dont want to get my hopes up. That is the hardest part.
He's fighting with all his might, I just hope its enough.
Hi RoyalsFan and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike and I help out around our various Blood Cancer groups. So sorry to hear that your dad, this must have come as such a shock.
I don’t have AML but I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare, incurable but treatable type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 4a so although my Blood Cancer ‘type’ is different I do appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.
The suddenness of all this can be very hard but it's not that unusual with AML. There is indeed a need for a mindset that celebrates every positive. I also landed in CCU (Critical Care Unit) a number of times over my final treatments....... I don't actually remember much about this.... but these times are etched on my wife's mind........ if you read my story (hit my community name) you will see that at times all we had was hope....... so hang onto this.
Let's look for some of the group members to pick up on your post.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
For good information do check out Leukaemia Care UK who produce very good information and also have a Support Line on 08088 010 444
Always around to help more or just to chat ((hugs))
So sorry to hear your news, my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and all the family.
In part, I understand the journey you have been on. It’s coming up to two years since I lost my mum. She did not have cancer but she was in her 90s, she was very active and independent…. but it all happened in the matter of 48 hours.
The saying time heals is often use and for me it’s true and like yourselves we had a great celebration of her life - although it was done under the covid restrictions.
The site has Bereaved family and friends group. it may not be fir you but some folks find it helpful to talk in the group.
Wishing you and your family all the best and some virtual ((hugs)) coming your way.
