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Diagnosed With AML. Undergone Chemotherapy. Developed Fungal Infection Pneumonia. Go For Another Round Of Consolidation Chemo?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Aug 2013
Question: Hello:

In December my wife was diagnosed with AML. She is 70, has had 2 courses of Chemo and has been in remission after the first course and has remained in remission. She did develop fungal pneumonia both times, and had to take antibiotics, via IV for 6 weeks or so to get rid of it each time. We are now concerned of whether she should take anlther round of consolidation Chemo. We anticipate that she would develop fungal pneumonia again.
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir (2 hours later)
Hello,

In my view another round of chemo should be withheld and her complete blood count should be monitored to see when she might be in relatively better condition to receive chemo.Delaying chemo cycles may not affect outcome significantly since she already had remission. So it is better to time it appropriately , so that she doesn't suffer more.

Such pneumonias are not easy to treat and also they leave residual effects on lung even if treated.And she would also be prone to other serious infections.

A consultation with medical oncologist would prove great help in her case.

Hope this proves helpful.Please ask if there doubts.

Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sudhir

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 1415 Questions

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Diagnosed With AML. Undergone Chemotherapy. Developed Fungal Infection Pneumonia. Go For Another Round Of Consolidation Chemo?

Hello,

In my view another round of chemo should be withheld and her complete blood count should be monitored to see when she might be in relatively better condition to receive chemo.Delaying chemo cycles may not affect outcome significantly since she already had remission. So it is better to time it appropriately , so that she doesn't suffer more.

Such pneumonias are not easy to treat and also they leave residual effects on lung even if treated.And she would also be prone to other serious infections.

A consultation with medical oncologist would prove great help in her case.

Hope this proves helpful.Please ask if there doubts.

Regards.