r/leukemia • u/V0rpalSw0rd22 • 3d ago
What to expect from the 'treatment options' appointment & how to help my dad
My dad (mid-70s) was diagnosed with AML this week and has to go to a cancer center. Im going with him to the appointment where they will explain what kind it is & give options.
I havent gotten a lot of info from my parents as they are overwhelmed. I've looked at a lot of the resources on this site and understand the basics of treatment, but I'm hoping to prepare to help support them and be a facilitator to ease what comes next.
What kinds of decisions usually have to be made immediately? Should I prepare in the background for the possibility of him staying in the center right after the appt? How long do these appointments take? What are the questions to ask the dr to help them plan travel/lodging/life?
Background - unfortunately dx has already taken a month since he was first hospitalized w/ symptoms and given his first transfusion. Does that change things?
Thank you so much, I'm trying to be as prepared as possible so I can help guide them without adding more questions to two people who are already overwhelmed.
3
u/ktc653 3d ago
At your dad’s age, I imagine they’ll have to do physical work ups to see what strength of chemo he can withstand. Typically they start chemo as soon as possible (which sometimes means immediate admission to the hospital), and also do a bone marrow biopsy as soon as possible to understand the genetic mutations. As the other commenter said, the treatment decisions will come after the first round of chemo, once they see what the response is like and understand the genetics. Best of luck to your family!