I don't have all the answers, but i know that M3 is the most treatable type of AML with the best outcomes.  I think she is still probably looking at several months of treatment, an induction  chemo..usually about a week (which is the verge worst part!) and then follow up chemo, usually 1 week per month for several months.  It will be a life interruption for sure, but it is certainly doable...especially on the other end!

AML doesn't have different stages.

The Drs. will tell you diet doesn't matter bc they really just want her to not lose a lot of weight...so anything she can keep down is a positive.  That being said, the healthier she can eat is always better on the days that major weight loss is not an issue.  Have faith, stay strong; her outlook is probably quite good.

Doing great here!  Today's blood test looked good, so that marks 1 year, 3 mos. remission.  Has been almost 2 yrs since Dx.  Life has returned to normal and we pray it continues!  Good luck to you both!

LoveBabyJesus said:

Good to hear!

I am happy for you. May you have many more years with NED.

My aunt starts treatment today. They are keeping her isolated for one month. The drugs will be:

tretinoin - oral, Vesanoid

Idarubicin

Are these drugs part of the standard treatment? Any suggestions on what to do to prevent side effects and what to expect?

Thank you.

Rebe

I'm not familiar with those first 2 drugs, but would assume they are boart of normal regimen.  The last one I know is either ver similar, or maybe even the same drug under a different name as daunarubicin ...this is the one that will make her most ill.  It is also the one that will cause her to lose her hair.  our experience  was that then side effects didn't hit at all at first...but after a week started feeling it and by day 9/10.. Absolute and complete misery.  So  plan other needing more emotional support after the 1st week...any walking around or anything she can do physically is supposed to help.  We had an exercise bike in the room that my hubby used a little the first few days.  After a week or so any "exercise" or even stepping out into the hall, was out of the question for quite. While!

the key during that period will be to find anything that she can keep down.  We did a LOT of smoothies.  The hospital will want her to takings a Ensure or a similar vitamin drink.  These worked for a week 2 but then he would vomit them immediately.  Honestly, there were a few weeks that he couldn't keep anything down...not 1 meal!   So set all inhibitions aside alet help her eat what sounds good....food brought in.

also, something that was a complete surprise to us....the drugs (not sure which, but I assume the daunarubicin as he had the others again later) altered his vision.  He had several weeks where he couldn't even see to read a book...even with eyeglasses.  That was a downer as we assumed he'd spend a lot of time reading.  Instead he watched a lot of tv....so maybe have some good movies on hand.  Don't be afraid to ask for accomodations....space for a support person to sleep, a DVD player etc.

i wish it were easier. I'm sorry.