callie:

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This could just be a coincidence, but I will put it out here.

As some of you might remember, I was diagnosed with MDS/AML (Acute Myeloid Luekemia) November 2013. I have never been admitted to a hospital before that time and the only ailment that I have had was Dupuytren's. I have been healthy my entire life and currently my father is 96 years old and has never had a prescription. I have had routine blood tests (CBC) from my primary care physician ever 6 months. The interesting information is that they have backtracked and graphed my blood tests. Everything was completely normal for years (linear, level and normal on the graphs) until right after my first round (15 Gy) of radiation for Dupuytren's. Platelets dropped below normal range within a month. Following the second round (15 Gy additional) the numbers for blood platelets, red and white cells "dropped off the table".

Again, this could be a coincidence, and probably is, but the timing of this couldn't have been closer. The AML diagnosis is pretty serious if you are not aware. I hope to make it another year. Should be getting a bone marrow transplant within 6 months. It almost seems trivial now about some of the decisions and worries about the different Dupuytren's procedures.

P.S. I have really enjoyed being on this forum for several years and really have appreciated all of the comments. I will stick with it as long as possible.

I still believe that this could be coincidence. It was just a very timely coincidence. Irradiation is just one of the possible triggers for this disease. I mentioned it so if it pops up for someone else after I am gone, it might add to some thought.

Hi Callie,

I am so very sorry. If I could wave a magic wand and make this go away I would do it in a heartbeat. Please know I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Is there any form of treatment regime that you plan to embark on?

Jolene

Hi Callie,

Thank you for taking the time and sharing all of this with us. My heart is so broken for you.

How long have you been taking the chemo?
Have you begun to experience its side effect?
What are the side effect on this particular chemo?

I can not even imagine how in the world you are processing all of this.

Please keep in mind. There are those people who have out live the odds for a much longer period of time then what the doctors state the average life expectancy is.
My sister n law was diagnosed with the worst case of bone cancer & leukemia. The doctors gave her a life expectancy of 12 months. She lived 12 years. She went to the research center for bone cancer located in Arkansas. They tested her with many different type of chemo drugs. She spent the most of her 12 years with no hair but was healthy enough to travel, etc.

I do realize your cancer is different. I only mention this because I want to point out that people do exceed the life expectancy. So I will continue to pray for you to be one of those people.

Jolene

Hi Callie,

I know there is little we can do for you, but just express our continued thoughts and prayers for you. So that is what I'm doing.

Though hard to read of your situation and the timing of your cancer with RT I agree it was important for you to share. Perhaps, even something for those who move ahead with RT to even consider getting some pre-blood work and post blood-work done. Not a bad idea.

I hope you find some comfort in knowing others are thinking of you, along with those you encounter in your new on-line forum.

Praying for you, Nan