Hi, Jennifer. Like your husband, I was diagnosed with APL. I was hospitalized on May 10, 2008 and got my diagnosis on May 14, 2008. I went to the ER because I had large, dark black and blue bruises, high blood pressure, severe headache, and overall fatigue and lack of energy. I spent 7 weeks in the hospital and did my induction chemo there. Then I did 10 weeks of consolidation and 1 year of maintenance. I finished my maintenance therapy in November 2009. I know it is extremely hard (I cannot even imagine since you had breast cancer) but stay strong and keep the faith. I'm glad his ANC and platelet counts have increased. I will pray for him that he is in remission when the results of the bone marrow biopsy come back. It is hard to believe the number of younger people that get cancer these days.  I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed. I am so glad the two of you have each other to lean on and take care of each other. God Bless you and your husband and I'll be praying for you!

Kim

I was just diagnosed with APL on January 14th... the only symptom that I presented was with extremely easy bruising. I began treatment imediately. During the course of treatement I developed a reaction to the ATRA that i was taking. flooded my lungs with fluid and sent me to the ICU for 5 days 3 of which i was intubated.

It really has been one bizzare road that you suddently find yourself on. Things have moved so fast that I haven't had the time to be scared i dont think. Right now I am just getting ready for my second bone marrow biopsy which hopefully shows that the induction was successful. In any case I begin round 2 march 2.

Just keep reminding yourself... how good the prognosis for people with this diagnosis... thats what I do!!!!