[cheri]

Hi Suzanne~
There is always hope! Don't give up the fight! I was diagnosed with AML in Oct 2009 and in July had a BMB which revealed no AML but now I have MDS....(which they say is from AML chemo) This can be a vicious cycle!

My next BMB in Jan will tell if AML has come back...all along they said it usually takes about a year. (I achieved remission thru induction chemo but had other complications and did not pursue further chemo or BMT.)

Standard treatment is--First, they will do 7 day "induction" chemo and either consecutive months of more chemo, ("consolidation" therapy) and/ or a BMT. There is a lot of good information on the web, if you google AML and explore...

I was initially frustrated with lack of reality in the discussion about my time left/quality of life. I think, back in Oct 09, they said without treatment I had 3 months. No brainer--within 1 month I was at a major Phila hospital getting chemo. But I had a rough time, and after 2-1/2 months there, I said no more heavy treatment--it took over 6 months to start to feel normal again.
Initially, my counts began to rise, and I changed my diet and it was all good until June, when my counts started to fall again.


Ultimately, there is no cure.. I have since learned of many people I KNEW getting AML and passing quickly. But we are all unique, and against all odds, I am still here another year later, feeling good and on Vidaza. I am still transfusion dependent. They say Vidaza shows promise with some AML patients, so I am curious to find out what my new BMB will show. But I put it off until January to be able to celebrate this holiday season as stress free as possible.. This time last year I was in the midst of a 3 week coma, and the medical community never thought I would see this Christmas!
The fact that your Mother is a fighter and has a strong will to live is paramount. Rather than looking to "get well and live life", I have learned to live life while trying to get well....
So hang in there and look at the fact that you are able to share this Christmas with your Mom. Remember, it is the season of miracles!
Take the holidays off from your worries and be fresh to resume the fight after the new year!
Best, Cheri