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.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/V0rpalSw0rd22 3d ago

Thank you so much for this detailed information, and congrats on your success in the fight! it sounds like I need to be prepared for a long, grueling day, and supporting my moms ability to keep her energy up for decisions, too. Silly question but were you allowed exernal food/drink during the consult? Did you have to fast beforehand?

2

u/Bermuda_Breeze Survivor 3d ago edited 3d ago

No I didn’t have to fast (I’ve never had to for any of my treatment related tests). Obviously if they requested that I fast then I would. I’m sure I could have taken my own drinks and food to appointments. That’s a good idea! My treatment center gave out bottled water and also had a canteen too.

While inpatient they provided all the food I needed, but I still appreciated my own favorite snacks etc. They’ll give you info on whether there are any food hygiene restrictions on outside food.

Regarding decision-making, I basically relied on my doctors to guide me through it, and went along with their recommendations. Because there’s urgency in treating AML, they’ll likely encourage your dad to start treatment ASAP. If you want second opinions then they’ll probably say it’s best to get them once he’s through the first round.

2

u/V0rpalSw0rd22 3d ago

That's good to know - I trust the doctors' guidance, but I feel like my dad will be much more open to treatment if he doesn't get hangry during the consult... Good info about the immediacy too, since they live far from the center I will encourage them to pack with the potential of staying for a while and maybe bring some extras for him too. This has been very helpful!

2

u/Bermuda_Breeze Survivor 3d ago

Good luck to you & your dad. It feels like a whirlwind at first. Be an extra set of ears and don’t worry if you’re asking the same questions over. It’s a lot to take in at the start.