what happens?
You'll probably start remission induction pretty quickly after finding out that you have AML. You'll be admitted to hospital. This might be a specialist 'teenage unit' (of which there are eight already established and more in planning) or it might be an adult ward or a children's ward.
Remission induction involves a few short intensive lots of chemotherapy. These are given over a few days in hospital. Following a rest for a week or two (depending on which treatment plan you're having), you'll have more chemotherapy. This completes what is known as a 'cycle' of treatment. During each cycle, combinations of different drugs are used. How many cycles of chemo are need to achieve remission induction varies from person to person.
how is the chemo given?
The hospital staff need to have a way to get the chemo into your bloodstream and to take blood samples from you, so you will have what’s called a 'line' put in. This is usually a central line (Hickman® or Groshong®) or an implantable port (portacath). It goes into one of the main veins close to your heart. Having a line means you don't have to keep having needles put in.
which drugs are used?
There are some combinations of drugs that are known to be effective in treating AML. Currently there is a research trial (called 'AML 15') which aims to compare some of these combinations. Most people with AML in the UK including children, teenagers and adults are now treated within the AML 15 protocol. For info about the drugs and their side effects, see the chemo section.
what else do I need to know?
As well as the chemo, a drug called allopurinol (or alternatively a drug called rasburicase) is given. This helps prevent problems like kidney damage that can occur when lots of leukaemia cells are destroyed at once. Often, doctors will start you on this tablet as soon as they know you have AML.
how will I feel?
Remission induction is pretty intense treatment and you’ll probably feel a bit wiped out at times. You’ll need to stay in hospital for most of the time and you might not have the energy to do much. You might feel angry, fed-up, depressed, tearful or irritable. To feel like this is very normal. It's hard to be in hospital and you might worry about losing touch with your friends or falling behind at school or college. It can help to talk about this with a friend, nurse or counselor. Look in our deal with it section too.
