BC TX caused my AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) Anyone else?

HappyHammer

Hello BC sisters,

I was diagnosed with AML March 22, 2019 after routine lab work showed my numbers were in the gutter. Had a bone marrow biopsy that afternoon and was immediately referred to Baptist Hospital at Wake Forest in Winston Salem, NC. We live about 2 hours from WS and it came highly recommended- so there we are....diagnosed with t-AML and started testing and then treatment within a week. They believe that my AML was caused by the chemo/rads from BC treatment in 2015. Does not happen often but I am in the small percentage that got it. Special, right? Spent 6 weeks in the hospital there....2 rounds of chemo seemed to do the trick and I was/am in remission. Home since mid April with labs and outpatient treatment since then since I've been in remission. Yay for being home!!!

Treatment induced AML is aggressive and the recommended treatment once in remission is to have a bone marrow transplant. I had an additional round of chemo in mid June. Another bone marrow biopsy yesterday and many blood tests and other tests over the past several weeks to see if I can have the most aggressive transplant protocol. Looks like I can. (Happy/nervous/scared of the transplant and SE's of the treatment- it will change my life- hopefully save my life- but it doesn't come without very scary SE's short and long term.) Tentative date to be admitted and start the pre-transplant chemo is August 7 if all of the puzzle pieces come together. There are several 10 point donor matches (praise God) and we are waiting as they are being tested and then, they have to be available to do it, etc.

Looking to see if there are others here who have dealt with this. While I do not wish this on anyone- would love to connect with anyone who has gone through this and made it to remission/cure! The support here during my breast cancer dx and tx was phenomenal so just wanted to reach out here for BC sisters again. Not looking for sympathy- every day is a day of our lives and I am living each one as fully as possible! TIA for any help!

vlnrph

What a story! This has not been my experience but, doing a quick search here using key word AML, there are a couple people you might want to try private messaging since they might not see this thread. Engine104 discusses his wife while cajunqueen seems to have had recent treatment.

Another place to consider posting is the forum for BC with another diagnosis or comorbidity - when you scroll down, it's just above the Stages topics.

As far as bone marrow transplant: a person I know had it a few years ago for lymphoma and is doing well. No donor required, they were able to use the patient's own stem cells. Since the immune system is wiped out by that procedure, you get a new birthday receiving childhood vaccinations again, etc. Let us know how yours goes.

SpecialK

hammer - what the heck? I wondered where you had been on the What's for Dinner thread - now I see you have been busy with this not so great news - I am sorry you are having to go through this. I have seen more people with treatment related blood cancers who had AC-T regimen, but there are always outliers, sorry that was you. So glad you have a marrow match, will be sending you strength and prayers for a smooth road.

HappyHammer

Thanks vlnrph and SpecialK for responding.

vlnrph- I went ahead and posted on the BC and Co Morbidity forum . Will see if anyone responds.

SK- I have read and kept up with y'all on the Dinner posts but just haven't responded. Looking forward to a long mountain weekend this weekend with our family. SIster's fam, our mom and our fam headedup to the NC mountains. Celebrating turning 60- DH's birthday is Friday and mine is Sunday. It is a last family gathering before the transplant so looking forward to being with the group and enjoying some cooler weather! It's mid 90's here in sunny SC and mid to high 70's there. NICE!! Take care.

SpecialK

hammer - my DH spent last weekend in Blowing Rock NC with his sisters, definitely cooler and beautiful there. I hope you have a fabulous weekend celebrating! Will be keeping you in my thoughts as you move forward with treatment

KBeee

Sorry you are dealing with this. I have not dealt with it, but recently read Robin Robert's book about her dealings with a very similar disease which also was secondary to BC chemo. It spells out the good, bad, and ugly (be prepared for that if you read it), but was an interesting, well written, informative book.

HappyHammer

Thanks, KBee....will look her book up. As we all know- there is a lot of ugly in cancer treatment....hoping it is worth it this time!

Hopeful82014

I was also about to recommend Robin Roberts' book - it's a good read regardless of the subject.

My father had MDS, which can be hereditary as well as chemotherapy induced, which is one of the reasons I was reluctant to undertake chemotherapy. These things are rare but they do happen, sadly.

Good luck as you prepare for your treatments; I hope the outcome is excellent.