Battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Story of Hope and Courage - Dr Abha Dubey

Ahmedabad: In a rare medical occurrence, Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad, has successfully treated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in both a mother and her son, highlighting the role of timely diagnosis and specialised care in managing aggressive blood cancers.

Both patients were treated successfully by Dr Abha Dubey, Consultant Haematologist and her team of experts, making it an unusual example of survival in a parent–child duo affected by the same disease.

The first patient, Manishaben, aged 60, sought medical attention after experiencing persistent fatigue which felt different from routine exhaustion. At the time, she was caring for her terminally ill husband, and tiredness seemed inevitable.

Blood investigations, however, revealed critically low haemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts. She was admitted to Narayana Hospital Ahmedabad, where a bone marrow examination confirmed acute myeloid leukaemia, a fast-progressing and potentially fatal condition, if left untreated.

Manishaben underwent intensive chemotherapy with curative intent, completing multiple cycles over nearly four months. The treatment required prolonged hospital stays, frequent monitoring and repeated transfusions.

Midway through therapy, she lost her husband. Grief followed her into the ward, but her treatment could not be paused. Despite physical weakness and emotional loss, she continued with her chemotherapy cycles, drawing strength from small routines and the reassurance of her medical team and nursing staff.

After her chemotherapy treatment, the patient’s white cell count decreased to almost zero, making her susceptible to endogenous as well as external infections. This is the reason why such patients are kept under strict isolation with neutropenic protocol.

Manishaben suffered from multiple blood stream infections, pneumonia, as well as slow recovery owing to age. Her recovery in the second cycle took close to 50 days, during which period she received multiple transfusions as well as antibiotic and antifungal support, with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Explaining the treatment decision, Dr Abha Dubey, Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad, said, “When Manishaben came to us with her blood test and results and bone marrow examination, she was deemed fit and otherwise healthy. Interestingly, her disease showed favourable genetic features.

This allowed us to pursue intensive chemotherapy aimed at cure. She responded well and achieved complete remission. She has now been disease-free for nearly 24 months, which significantly reduces the risk of relapse.”

Almost a year after her recovery, the family faced another shock when her son, Chiragbhai (name changed), began experiencing the same symptoms as his mother’s illness. A physically fit individual with a military background, he did not delay seeking care and approached Dr Dubey at Narayana Hospital immediately. Blood tests showed abnormal counts, and a bone marrow examination confirmed acute myeloid leukaemia.

“Seeing AML in both a mother and son is uncommon,” Dr Dubey said. “While AML is not usually hereditary, we advised genetic counselling and further testing so the family can remain vigilant in the future. Fortunately, both cases had favourable risk profiles and responded well to chemotherapy alone.”

For Chiragbhai, the diagnosis came with painful familiarity. Having watched his mother undergo treatment and having lost his father during that period, he understood the importance of early intervention. Treatment was initiated immediately, and his younger age helped him tolerate chemotherapy better. He is currently in remission too and gradually returning to daily life.

This family was tested by illness and loss multiple times. Yet, through timely diagnosis, expert medical care at Narayana Hospital, and an extraordinary strength and will power, both Manishaben and Chiragbhai beat the odds. Now, they carry forward not just their survival stories, but a renewed chance at life.

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