Question:
Hi!
Im 33 years old cocasian and was diagnosed AML 10 days ago. Today is my 6 day of chemotherapy.
Just wanted you all to now that im gone beat the **** out of this desease. Sorry people but im to young to die.
Just wondering, my doc told me tha the cure rate is 60-70% in the first 5 years. What does this mean? That after 5 years the chances to get sick again with AML are going higher or lower?
Answer:
Hi I am new to the board, and my older brother had leukemia at age 28, so I understand that you can't believe this has happened, but that is the frame of mind you have to try to stay in that you are going to beat this crap! Kemo is one of the worst things I have ever seen someone go through so I will be praying for you! Keep your spirits up and if you ever need to talk I am a pretty good listener!
Answer:
I would just like to say I feel for you. I was diagnosed with AML at the age of 20. That was in the year 2000. I went through hell and back. I eventually went into remission but the Leukemia came back when I was pregnant with my son. I was not far enough into my pregnancy and so my son did not make it. I ended up having a stem cell transplant and am now in my 3rd year of remission. As far as the 5 year mark, it usually means that if you make it past 5 years and you are still in remission the chances of the cancer returning are pretty low. Just always remain positive. I know it is hard but you just have to.
Answer:
Doctors use the 5 year term as a measure of "long term" survivial. Generally, once you've passed five years off treatment doctors will consider you "cured" since the chances of the leukemia coming back after five years are very slim.
I was diagnosed in September 2001 at 15 with AML M2. I had induction as normal, but the consolidation part of it caused severe bone marrow damage, so I never properly completed it. At that point, I got low dose chemo for a couple months to maintain remission while I got stronger for a bone marrow transplant. I had that in May 2002 and have luckily been in remission since then. I'm 20 years old now.
Answer:
Hi!
Im 33 years old cocasian and was diagnosed AML 10 days ago. Today is my 6 day of chemotherapy.
Just wanted you all to now that im gone beat the **** out of this desease. Sorry people but im to young to die.
Just wondering, my doc told me tha the cure rate is 60-70% in the first 5 years. What does this mean? That after 5 years the chances to get sick again with AML are going higher or lower?
Statistical rates are usually based on the number of people who remain in contact with the medical provider for at least 5 years. That looks like a decent statistic but with good medical care, good compliance from the patient, and a lot of luck, those statistical rates are low compared to the successes. A lot of times people who are feeling good and have no more problems do not check back in, or have moved on to another source of medical care someplace else for some other reason and are not counted in the success rates. You are not a statistic and so just keep up the good work. The hard part is the chemo and the side effects. If you find your self wanting to throw in the towel ask for a mental health referral. The medications that can be used during or after chemo help with pain and emotional anxiety that are normal with cancer. Good luck.