18 Year Old Just Diagnosed AML

annette1 said:

Following up a little more on this: At 18 why is he being treated as pediatric? Is there some difference between pediatric and adult aml? Please respond if you can! Does anyone have a similar story -- diagnosed in late teens with AML?

Hi annette1, my name is Erica or aka erica10. I'm a 7 year survivor of ALL, living with cancer for 9 years. Now i'm 18 years old on to 19 in October. If you ever want to talk just email me at my personal page or just reply. Talk to you later!

Bye,

Erica

annette1 said:

Thanks so much for responding! What would be the encouragement you would give to someone your age is was just diagnosed?

I would make sure your son stays positive throughtout his treatment. I know this sounds hard but trust me, it helps. Humor is always key.

mc2001 said:

Hi Annette,
Its great you are reaching out on behalf of Nick. Right now, and throughout treatment, knowing the latest treatments, pain and nausea managements, and best places for treatment is paramount. The good news is Nick is young and Im sure he was strong when he was diagnosed. This is in his favor. My name is Michael and I am a leukemia survivor. I was diagnosed when I was 21. I am now 30 and have remained in remission. I've also designed a leukemia website. It contains many links that may be of use to Nick and his family. Here is the link: www.geocities.com/leukemia_lymphoma
I hope this helps you. God bless.
-Michael

Hi There. My Name is Brittany and I was diagnosed with AML at the age of 15 on December 12th,2000! I was given just 3 weeks left to live or a 5-15% chance of survival after being told that 67% of the cells in my bone marrow were cancer cells! I spent 3 months as an in-patient at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington,DC and I am happy to tell you that I am now about to turn 20 years old in January and I will also celebrate 4 years of being in remission just 4 days after my b-day! Your friend is going to be just fine and I think it's great that you are reaching out for him and his family! You have to remind him to stay strong, keep a positive attitude and make sure that he's got a great support system behind him and by his side no matter what every single step of the way! Make sure that he keeps his sense of humor because here is something that my doctors always told me, "Keep the people around who make you smile and laugh because they are the ones who will pull you through the tough times!" Make sure that he knows that he can beat this thing and that he is gonna survive and become a survivor just like me! He is going to be just fine and you just have to keep telling him that! Be there for him no matter what! Believe in him and have faith and confidence in him and make sure that he believes in himself and has faith and confidence in himself! He is strong and capable and you just have to remind him to tell himself, "I will not let my cancer get the best of me! I will always get the best of it!" He is a strong and very capable guy! And once he beats it there is absolutely nothing that he won't be able to do! He can go after all of his goals and dreams knowing that nothing and nobody can ever stop him or get him down...nothing stands in his way...Make sure that he doesn't take "NO" for an answer!

Mistydaz said:

Hi. I hope all is going well with Nick at this time. I was diagnosed with AML and later APL on St. Patricks Day 2004 with 98% leukemic cells! I was 42. I am a female... My organs were strong enough to survive the chemotherapy treatment and blood and blood product transfusions... I just saw your message and wanted to say that with his age and if Nicks major organs are healthy... he will do just fine with the treatment. I know it is a scarey time... and you are trying to find out all you can about the disease.. I was in the hospital (Wake Forest - praise them) for 35 days and had to rely on hospital staff to tell me about what to expect. It is November and I am on maint. treatments (retonic acid) now and doing FINE! I have less than 1% leukemic cells. I am sure with proper care and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE he will be ready for school in no time. Please don't let anyone with a negative bone in thier body talk to him.
Diana

Hello Diana. Your attitude is so much like that of my son who was just diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with AML and a wbc of 129,000. His outlook is so upbeat and positive! He's been in the hospital for 14 days now and has completed his induction dose of chemo. He's on antibiotic drips and blood transfusions. Apparently will be in hospital for another week or two. We're expecting to learn if he has type M0 or M1 early this week. He is 42 also. Am delighted you are doing great on your maintenance. Keep up the good work. Sharon