Hi Tilly, I'm sorry to hear this. My dad has been diagnosed, it's come as a complete shock as he's a fit strong man. He's 74. We've been told the treatment he can have tends to stop being effective after 18 months. Its also going to put him at high risk of infection. How was your dad on treatment? Time is so precious. Is the treatment worth it? 

Hi Gemma12, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. It was a real shock for us too so I understand exactly how you are feeling. My dad's blood tests started in July 24 and by September 24, he was diagnosed with AML. He started on azacitidine and venetoclax in late September. As he was so fit and well prior to diagnosis with no other health issues, they said they hoped to give him two good years. He started chemo and and seemed ok in his first week. He stayed in for a week or so came home and then was back in hospital with infections. We were very much in the dark at times as to what was going on, so push as much as you can with the medics to understand what's going on. They talk to their patient rather than the family. Tragically my Dad passed away just 7 weeks after his diagnosis in Oct 24. It was a complete shock to us and we hadn't been expecting it so soon.

Was the treatment worth it? In his case, it probably wasn't but he wanted to fight for a life he enjoyed living. He fought hard and so courageously and we couldn't be more proud of him. It was, however truly awful for him and us. It still is now a few months on since he passed. He passed away from neutropenic sepsis due to his AML. I'm sorry to share a sad story. From what I have read, he was particularly unlucky to not have had more time. While we know AML is a terminal diagnosis, many will get some time. I really hope that your dad can benefit from the treatment and you get to spend some time together. My only advice is to spend as much time with him as you can. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and strength. xx

Thank you so much for your reply and I'm sorry to hear your dad passed away so quickly.

I think we'll be reeling for a while. Thank you for your openness. As a family we're trying to be positive but we all know we have to be realistic too. It's just so sad, he's so strong and we can't quite believe he won't get better.

We will be taking your advice about speaking to his medical team and spending as much time with him as we can xx

Thank you so much for your reply and I'm sorry to hear your dad passed away so quickly.

I think we'll be reeling for a while. Thank you for your openness. As a family we're trying to be positive but we all know we have to be realistic too. It's just so sad, he's so strong and we can't quite believe he won't get better.

We will be taking your advice about speaking to his medical team and spending as much time with him as we can xx