The Beginning

My name is Rana Robillard and my dear friend, Tanhya DeBourne, was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She is 53 and in otherwise good health. I am writing this blog in partnership* with Tanhya as she is quite focused on her treatment. The main purpose of this blog is to simply help or share with others who may be beginning a similar journey. Neither of us are medical professionals** and we are not suggesting any treatment plans or guidance (please see your healthcare professionals for your individual care and diagnosis). The medical advancements for AML are occurring at a very fast rate, and we found some of the blogs had older information given the speed of these changes.

This journey began just before November 15, 2021. Tanhya was experiencing changes in her BP, resting heart rate and unusual bruising. She scheduled an appointment with her primary internist for a check-up. She discussed her symptoms (thinking she was likely just anemic) and the doctor ordered various lab tests.

At 8am the next day, her internist called and said that her lab results indicated that there was a significant issue and that it could possibly be leukemia. She asked Tanhya to go straight to the hospital and she would set up a Houston Methodist hospital admittance request.

From that moment, the process was a complete whirlwind. It seems that every day of treatment makes a difference and tests were ordered immediately, including a bone marrow test. By November 17th, it was confirmed that it was indeed AML. This was very confusing as she felt relatively fine. However, her WBC count was approximately ?? and we understand the normal range is ??. The care team seemed to also be surprised at how she looked and felt. But the tests did clearly confirm these results.

They advised her to start Induction treatment that same day. This specific intensive Induction treatment is called 7 + 3 and required her to be in the hospital for roughly a month (until a “count recovery” period indicated sufficient counts so that she could be released).