Your doctors will work out the best treatment plan for your situation and will explain it all to you before it starts. You’ll probably hear them talking about regimens and protocols. This just means the plan of treatment.
For AML there are different phases of treatment:
- remission induction
- post-remission treatment (also called consolidation or intensification)
- central nervous system (CNS) therapy.
Very often treatment is given as part of a clinical trial or research study. This helps doctors to work out the best way to treat a particular disease. Currently, the main research trial for AML is called 'AML 15'.
The treatment for AML is pretty intensive and it's very likely that you’ll experience some unpleasant side effects at various points during the whole thing. You'll probably be in hospital for most of your treatment where the staff will be able to help if things get tough.
chemotherapy side effects
There are some side effects that occur with most chemo drugs used in AML. For example:
- lowered resistance to infections
- feeling sick
- hair loss
- bruising and bleeding
- sore mouth
- fertility.
For information about side effects, see the chemo section, and the deal with it section for advice on how to cope with them.
supportive care
Because induction and consolidation can be tough, the medical staff are aware of all the possible side effects. They can offer what is called 'supportive care'. This helps you to cope with the side effects and stay strong enough to have the treatment. It includes anticipating problems like, sickness, or a sore mouth for example, and giving medicines to help prevent these. The term 'prophylactic' is used to describe preventative treatment.
how will I feel?
Chemo affects everyone differently but it's likely that you’ll feel rough at various times and better at other times. You might also feel emotional and depressed or irritable. Some people find that it really helps to talk to someone close or a counsellor. Trying to keep in contact with your main close friends can really help. Maybe even bringing them along for you appointments if that's possible, so that they know what’s going on for you.
You'll probably find that your energy levels will vary and some days will be better than others. You'll need to take time off from school or college which can make you feel 'left behind'. Again there is more information about how to cope with this in the deal with it section.
Being in hospital for long periods can mean that you feel cut off from the 'real' world and maybe a bit isolated or lonely. There are many things that can help with this - have a look in the in hospital section for advice on how to cope.
