Wendi's Story: First Symptoms & Diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia [Part 1]

The word, "diagnosis," is one that no one likes to hear. You suddenly have a name to call what has begun to affect your life, but it's impossible to know the true depth of its meaning.
My Aunt Wendi is a cancer survivor with a remarkable story. With a sudden descent into the world of doctors and sickness and pain, she holds onto the idea that she still has choices, even when the range of choices she can make diminishes seemingly every single day.
From busy mother to cancer patient in a matter of weeks, Part 1 of her story here describes the symptoms she had that led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. How does anyone find solace? How does anyone maintain hope? What do you do when everything is taken from you?
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[@michelleoywech100]

My son was diagnosed with AML this past August. August 9th we got the diagnosis and August 15th he began treatment. We had to wait for his type of chemo to arrive. He’s participating in a clinical trial in its 3rd phase, with a new type of chemo designed to still be aggressive against the cancer but less harmful to the body. He completed induction 1 on August 22nd. His counts have finally started to rebound. Induction 2 was supposed to start today but his counts aren’t up where they need to be yet. He’s been in the hospital for 5 weeks and 2 days. We’ve been told he will be in the hospital more than he’s home for the next 6-9 months. He will have to have a stem cell transplant because his subtype of AML is high risk for relapse.

[@tired4717]

How's your son doing? God bless all of your hearts

[@michelleoywech100]

@@tired4717 thank you! He’s doing amazingly well. We’re coming up on 2 years since diagnosis and since remission. He’s 1 and a half years post BMT. He actually has his 18 month clinical visit next week.

[@premaraoa5231]

Thanks to Good God.

[@michelleoywech100]

@@premaraoa5231 Amen! 🙏

[@Canaday291]

I’m so sorry you have gone through this. God bless you. I hope you are feeling better 🙏❤️

[@mommypower9862]

You poor thing, god bless you. I hope you’re doing ok, and enjoying every moment with your family ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NotDefined]

I'll pass the love on to her for you! As far as I know, she is making a solid recovery and definitely enjoying the time with her family. She's amazing!

[@mommypower9862]

Not Defined that’s amazing. May god keep her strong and happy. Thank you

[@jas20294]

I'm so sorry you had to deal with this. You handled it like a boss though ❤
I do have between that freaking bird and the music it was a little hard to hear you.

[@kathychaves1814]

omg the birds!!

[@danielhinojosa7835]

I miss my dad… 💔

[@NotDefined]

I'm so sorry. There's no greater pain.
Sending you a "ghost hug"-you can't feel it, but it's there 💔❤️

[@jovitavillalpando2827]

Beautiful bird sounds but too loud

[@NotDefined]

Sorry about that!

[@xKoyotl]

What does a blood clot feel like?

[@shereehi5539]

Gross lol clumps of bloody tissue. Usually can’t feel it inside the body but if it comes out thats how it feels.

[@shereehi5539]

How she knows the feeling in her leg idk.

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

😢 🙏

[@prrr446]

This bird......no way.

[@NotDefined]

Au naturale... ;)

[@prrr446]

@@NotDefined LOLLL! 👌