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CrazyLife414 · 03-06-2007, 08:08 PM

My Dad was diagnosed with AML yesterday, my family is completely freaked out because the doctor says that he is far too weak to handle any aggressive treatments like chemo....Can anyone help? He is 80 years old, but up until he began getting sick you would have thought he was about 65. I just can't think of giving up if there is something that we can do!!! His white count is below 1 and his hemaglobin and platelets are really low as well. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!!! Many Thanks!
CrazyLife

AmorGraff · 03-07-2007, 02:24 AM

Hi there - you dad is old and AML is common in older people - all you can really do is tell him to DRINK pleny and eat as much as he can.. tell him to be strong -
it is important that he drinks anything up to 3 litres when he is on his CHEMO.
as it will keep the bad chemicals for staying in his body too long..
please take that advice, as it will help. be postive and keep him happy.

jectac · 03-07-2007, 05:44 AM

The chemotherapy treatment for AML is very difficult. It is very toxic on one's system and infections and damage to other organs, such as liver, lungs and heart are significant. Chemo completely wipes out the immune system, giving infection an opportunity to set in. Most elderly patients cannot handle the long term treatment for AML.

You may want to get a second oppinion on the treatment of your dad. They may be able to give him a "lighter protocol" of chemo, to control the leukemia and extend his life.

Sorry to hear about your dad.

tracy

beckyb46 · 03-07-2007, 03:54 PM

Hi

I am sorry about your Dad. I have CLL and when I was dianosed my RBC counts were low. And one time, my wbc were below 1. So maybe they can give him a blood transfusion I have had many. And they can give a shot called neutropin it is given for 5 days in a row for his WBC's. Talk to his Dr. about it. At least he will feel better.

Keep us posted

Take care

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