AML

Hello Jon,

Firstly, sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

I was diagnosed with AML 13 months ago and mine was a fairly long road.

I am happy to answer any questions if I can.

Have the Drs given you an indication of when you will start treatment?

Mark

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply.

I'm also sorry to hear about yours Mark.

I am back at the hospital on Tuesday for more blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. They said I will be going St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment but not too sure when.

Are you in remission?

Is there anything that can prepare you for the treatment?

Jon

Hi Jon,

I wish you well on Tuesday.

The first bone marrow seems the toughest. So I would strongly suggest some sedation. Nothing lost by having it.

I have had 8 in total and one last Thursday.

From the biopsy they will establish the AML type. There are quite a few. Some are worse than others. So let's hope for a 'good' one (I know that sounds a contradiction)

I am not sure if there is anything to really do in preparation other than the sedation.

I don't know your hospital but they seem to have a good reputation. I was treated at The Christie in Manchester. They have been absolutely top drawer.

I was in remission after round 1 and have remained ever since fortunately.

The biggest tip I could give anybody is to keep a positive mindset. In my experience that is the single biggest thing. Also I found not getting upset helps if someone from your family or friend group does not behave as you had hoped or expected. I found not everyone behaves as I thought they should!

I have another contact on here who has AML and she has been in treatment 10 days and is doing well. 

I was saying to her yesterday that there appears to have been some big advances in treatment of AML over the last 5/6 years. So, if there has been a good time! to get the disease it probably is now.

So, please feel free to contact me and ask anything you want. 

My thoughts and wishes are with you at this difficult time.

Keep the positive mind Jon. You will get through this.

Until next time. 

Best regards,

Mark