AML and want to make new friends

sharbear1
sharbear1 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Leukemia #1
I am 43 and from Minnesota. I have AML and have received 3 rounds of chemo and now will have a Bone Marrow Biopsy to see if still in remission. I did not receive the 4th round of chemo due to getting infections and being allergic to many antibiotics. I am having anxiety due to not knowing what will happen next and waiting for the results of tests --will have Dr. appt. this week and BMB end of this month. Is there anything I can do to help my anxiety less? Any suggestions? I also have intermittent Diarrhea and not sure why? I think a lot is due to stress or what I eat? Any ideas on that too?

Comments

  • MiraT
    MiraT Member Posts: 15
    #2
    Welcome to the boards sharbear! Congrats on finishing treatment! I was diagnosed with AML in July last year and had my last round of consolidation in December. The watching and waiting after you've finished chemo is very stressful. It helps to try to get involved in activities again, takes your mind off of everything. Are you having a BMB just to mark the end of your treatment cycle? I also saw your post about platelet counts - it's totally normal to have low platelet counts continue after chemo. Mine have fluctuated between 120-155 since January. Keep in mind that your body has essentially been blasted with poison for the past several months and it will take a little while for it to recover and get back to normal. That might be the problem with the diarrhea too, but I don't know. Have you mentioned it to your doctor?
  • sharbear1
    sharbear1 Member Posts: 5
    #3
    MiraT said:

    Welcome to the boards sharbear! Congrats on finishing treatment! I was diagnosed with AML in July last year and had my last round of consolidation in December. The watching and waiting after you've finished chemo is very stressful. It helps to try to get involved in activities again, takes your mind off of everything. Are you having a BMB just to mark the end of your treatment cycle? I also saw your post about platelet counts - it's totally normal to have low platelet counts continue after chemo. Mine have fluctuated between 120-155 since January. Keep in mind that your body has essentially been blasted with poison for the past several months and it will take a little while for it to recover and get back to normal. That might be the problem with the diarrhea too, but I don't know. Have you mentioned it to your doctor?

    Thanks for the info about platelets. It is hard to know why they are dropping --especially when last round of chemo ended March 2nd. I will have counts checked next week--to see if I need any. In the meantime--I am looking for more info on platelets to see hwat I can find--let me know if you find anything--

    Yes, I have been quite stressed waiting. I am taking sleep meds so can sleep--and anti-anxiety meds to help--has been hard for me. Please pray for me and I ask for your support in any way you can.

    Shari
  • MiraT
    MiraT Member Posts: 15
    #4
    sharbear1 said:

    Thanks for the info about platelets. It is hard to know why they are dropping --especially when last round of chemo ended March 2nd. I will have counts checked next week--to see if I need any. In the meantime--I am looking for more info on platelets to see hwat I can find--let me know if you find anything--

    Yes, I have been quite stressed waiting. I am taking sleep meds so can sleep--and anti-anxiety meds to help--has been hard for me. Please pray for me and I ask for your support in any way you can.

    Shari

    I recommend using the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Bulletin boards. There are some really knowledgable people on the boards, and I'm pretty sure I've read multiple posts there about people who have had low platelets after treatment. Also my doctor has told me that it's pretty typical. But believe me, I know how crazy you can go while waiting for results. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you, and you are certainly in my prayers.
  • 07250218
    07250218 Member Posts: 2
    #5
    Hi Sharbear, My husband was diagnosed with AML subtype M1 Jan.05. He was put in remission with his second round of chemo. He then had a third round of chemo. to keep him in remission prior to his stem cell transplant 7/1/05. He is doing well other than some pesky graft vs. host disease. I am the one who has experienced severe anxiety and depression. It has been a long 8 months and his treatment is 5 hours from our house. I haven't found an anti-depressant I can tolerate. I take ativan for sleep and anxiety. I also pray a lot and we have just started family counselling. Have you thought about counselling? Maybe it could help. Best of luck! I will pray for you. Pamela
  • Mel_anie
    Mel_anie Member Posts: 9
    #6
    AML Free
    I had AML 23 years ago. I was only 2 in a half when I found out I had it.
    I am going through so much right now that I need to talk to someone who had it when they where younger. There are things I want to accomplish in my life that I am having some difficulties with.
  • ShayNicole
    ShayNicole Member Posts: 7
    #7
    Mel_anie said:

    AML Free
    I had AML 23 years ago. I was only 2 in a half when I found out I had it.
    I am going through so much right now that I need to talk to someone who had it when they where younger. There are things I want to accomplish in my life that I am having some difficulties with.

    AML FREE TOO
    I had AML when I was 13. I am here to chat if you need anything.
  • Mel_anie
    Mel_anie Member Posts: 9
    #8
    Hello
    I had it at such a young age I will do my best to help you during this time. I remember the Biopsy and it didnt hurt as bad as I thought it would. I remember vomiting alot of blood but not loose stools. I asked alot of questions and I made sure the Doctors specified everything they where doing or going to do and what the out come was. I was allergic to alot of medications as well.
  • williamg
    williamg Member Posts: 10
    #9
    tell me more about the aml
    tell me more about the aml my grandfather is goping through this and im really concerned he doesnt want chemo he is 76

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