My dad diagnosed with AML - beginning of April

Hi Kittycat and welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to hear about your dad’s AML diagnosis.

I am Mike and I keep an eye on our various Blood Cancer groups.

I don’t have Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) but I have been on my journey since 1999 when at 43 I was diagnosed with my first rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of Cutaneous T-Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive Peripheral T-Cell NHL was then presenting so although my Blood Cancer ‘type’ is different I most definitely  appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.

First it would be helpful for you to ‘talk’ this through with someone…. Leukaemia Care UK have a Support Line on 08088 010 444…… why not pick up the phone and call them.

Let’s look for group members to pick up on your post and get back to you.

As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your dad and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our general cancer……

  Family and Friends

  Carers only (if you are his caregiver)

……. support areas where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.

You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

You may also want to check to see if you have a Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.

Always around to help more or just to chat ((hugs))

Hi Kittycat  I’m so sorry that you’ve joined the child of a parent with AML club. It is terrifying and everything you’re feeling right now is totally valid. My mum was diagnosed with AML late August after being rushed into hospital struggling to breathe and in and out of consciousness. She’s still undergoing treatment but we’re all remaining positive and it’s heading in the right direction.

The best advice I can give is to practice grounding techniques and focus on rooting yourself in reality and not going on google!!! Stay on trusted sites like this and seek out support for yourself as well. Xxx

Thank you. I’m not myself at all since having psychosis and my dad helped me so much. I don’t seem to cope how I did before. Sending your family love and strength.

Oh my goodness that sounds so horrendous!

I have 3 sons all signing up to be bone marrow donors. There is a shortage of male donors between the ages of 16 and 30. They said they want to at least try and help other families,’like a silver lining to this shock of seeing their grandad. They are 16, 21 and 24 and big strapping lads. That made me cry too. Life can just feel so cruel.They know the 2 procedures and what’s involved. But they said helping someone possibly would make itt worth it. 

Thank you tor yout kind words and advice.

Good on your 3 lads Kittycat 

I had 2 Allogenic (donor) Stem Cell Transplants (June 2014 then Oct 2015) and my brother was my donor.

Although the term Bone Marrow Transplant is still used by consultants a very high percentage of transplants are now Stem Cell Transplants using cells harvested from the blood stream…… rather like giving blood so no where near as challenging as a bone marrow harvest.

Do check out the support platforms as you can’t have enough support ((hugs))