The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Fighting Blood Cancers

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8 Replies Last post: Dec 31, 2009 10:56 AM by pinkydo123  
pinkydo123   366 posts since
Oct 7, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 7, 2009 8:11 PM

Where do I start?

My Bf was recently diagnosed with acute luekemia.They are to begin aggressive chemo very soon.Any one have any experience with this?I am terrified

Tex   3,888 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
1. Oct 8, 2009 11:42 AM in response to: pinkydo123
Re: Where do I start?

There are two basic forms of acute leukemia: Acute Myelogenous (or Myeloid) Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).  We have people who've beaten each of these diseases.  We also have forums for each disease.  If you can find out which one he's dealing with, you'll find the right forum under the "Living with..." link on the main menu.

 

This isn't a death sentence.

 

Blessings

DEE11   536 posts since
Mar 26, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
2. Oct 12, 2009 6:24 AM in response to: pinkydo123
Re: Where do I start?

Sry rebecca i can understand your fear.Like Tex said when you have the exact dx you can click on l"living with" then scroll to the right thread.Let us know how he,s doing and dont forget to breath.

hamstertwins   7 posts since
Sep 27, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
3. Oct 13, 2009 7:50 PM in response to: pinkydo123
Re: Where do I start?

Rebecca-

I totally understand your feelings- our Daughter  (age 31) was diagnosed with ALL 3 weeks ago.  Listen to everything the Dr tells you, write things down (as your head may be spinning),  This website is a great tool- and don't hesitate to call

the helpline.  Once you know what type of Leukemia he has- gather up as much reading material as you can. If you have a strong support "team" of family and friends it will also help.   Don't despair, the treatments are much advanced

from even a few years ago.

Prayers are with you.

Karen

Cheryl   16 posts since
Dec 16, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
5. Dec 17, 2009 11:18 PM in response to: pinkydo123
Re: Where do I start?

Hi!

 

I was recently diagnosed with ALL.  Just last week actually.  I am researching and finding out everthing I can about this desease. I am very fortunate that I go in for a physical every year, and this year my white count was abnormal. My white count is 17000 and  My oncologist says all my DNA and markers look great and that every three months I will have blood work up to keep an eye on things.  It is still scary knowing that I have this desease and that it will not go away.  But I feel blessed that it was caught so early. Have faith! Contact me any time!  I feel the need to reach out to others and talk and share.

 

Cheryl.

Djlawman   157 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
6. Dec 31, 2009 9:17 AM in response to: Cheryl
Re: Where do I start?

Cheryl -- are you sure you have ALL?  If you did, you would be started on a very intensive chemotherapy protocol immediately, as ALL replicates so quickly that there is no time to wait.  A patient with ALL would be severely ill if left untreated for months.  (My son had high-risk ALL, and went through 3 1/2 years of chemotherapy.)   

 

You are describing a process frequently called "watch and wait" which is common with the chronic forms of leukemia, but not with the acute forms.  In my five years on this board, I have never heard of an ALL patient being placed on "watch and wait."  

 

Is it possible you have CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic or Lymphoblastic Leukemia)?

 

I wanted to mention this 1) so that you make sure you are researching the right condition which you have; and 2) so that your post does not give anyone any misinformation or create any misconceptions.

 

Good luck.

hamstertwins   7 posts since
Sep 27, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
7. Dec 31, 2009 10:34 AM in response to: pinkydo123
Re: Where do I start?

PinkyDo- how is your BF doing with his treatment?   Is he in remission or going for a BMT?  My daughter who was diagnosed in Sept w/ALL has really gone through alot in the last 3 months- from getting H1N1 which developed into pneumonia and

a sinus infection, 6 hospital stays she is finally doing better.  Her Dr put her on Gleevec (which is extremely expensive, but seems to be keeping her more stable)  Next step is to meet with the transplant team to see about finding a match.

Hope you were able to enjoy the holidays together.  God Bless to all of you (and your families) that are fighting these diseases together.  Keep each other close and pray for the Dr's, Nurses and researchers that are working around the clock to

find a cure.  To a Healthy 2010!!

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