MDS to AML and 1 month to live

[AliceKay1]

My doctor told me last Friday that my MDS has progressed to AML and that I have 4-6 weeks to live. Has anybody else been given such sudden news? Does everyone go so quickly with this news?

I've read about a drug, Venetoclax, approved by the FDA November 2018. Has anybody tried this, yet?

[whackerswalsh]

Hello Alice,

So sorry to hear your news.
My husband recently passed away MDS to AML, however he continued longer than the prognosis.

The only consolation I can give you and certainly from my part on hindsight is to pursue any clinical trials or drugs, push your consultants for any possibilities outside of the "box".

I wish you well in your endeavours and my best wishes.

Barbara

[DanL]

I am sorry for the shocking news. That is a pretty sudden and short prognosis, but it is just a prognosis and is based on what the doctor has experienced in most cases.

Looking up Venetoclax, it looks like it has been used in two ways, both in combination therapy for AML:

Venetoclax + Vidaza or Decitabine
Venetoclax + low dose ARA-C

The first combination had response rates up to 73% and the second up to 62%. I think that it would be worth checking to see if your doctor or another may be willing to look it up and see if you fit the criteria for treatment.

https://www.onclive.com/web-exclusiv...x-combo-in-aml

dan

[AliceKay1]

Thank you, Dani. That was really super of you to look into venetoclax for me. I'll definitely follow up on that. Thank you.

[AliceKay1]

Thank you for your kind words, Barbara. I'm sorry about your husband. I lost my Thayer 3 years ago.

[Sally C]

Dear AliceKay,
I can't imagine how stunning it must be to get this news. Doctors can only go on what they think - but thankfully it's not in their hands. Keep the Faith as they are quite often wrong. Take care of yourself and believe in Miracles during this Christmas season. I wish you God's Peace.
All the best,
Sally

[AliceKay1]

Sally, how nice of you. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Yesterday I started on oxygen, and what a difference a day makes!. I can breathe again without gasping. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[David M]

AliceKay1,

I'm sure that was a shocking thing to hear from your doctor!

I want you to know that I am praying for you! I pray for your healing, and I pray God's comfort and peace will be upon you during this time.

David M

[AliceKay1]

Thank you, David. And I'll be thinking of you!. Goodness, to have all those blood numbers just slowly decreasing over the years and no treatment. I'll look up some of those terms you used.

I get a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow to confirm or deny that it's AML. Wish me luck!

[Hopeful]

You are in my thoughts and prayers, AliceKay1. I hope you have a good appointment!

Wishing you peace and comfort.

[Marimari]

Dear Alice Kay,

I just wanted you to know I am praying for you. My own Mother has gone through this journey. Diagnosed with MDS in 2017 and now AML. She is currently on Venatoclax, having combined it with Dacogen (5 days). She is on her 12thday of 21 days for the Venatoclax.
You are not alone, and I pray for your encouragement and comfort as you experience this tremendous trial. Thank you for reaching out to build community, even in your suffering. Sending you love, strength, peace and joy and thinking of you strongly!