Seeking IV Infusion Options for Mom During US Visit
Greetings everyone,My 75-year-old mother is facing a recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is currently undergoing treatment with Azacitidine. Her regimen includes daily intravenous infusions of 100 mg over a week each month. For the past year, she has been transporting her medication and IV supplies from her doctor to her home and relies on a nurse to administer these infusions daily for that one-week duration. As part of her treatment, she undergoes complete blood count (CBC) tests before starting the infusions, again after completing them, and one week following her final dose to monitor her health. This pattern continues each month without fail. Mom is eager to visit her children in the United States, and we are looking into a couple of questions: 1. If she carries her prescribed medication to the US, can a healthcare professional there provide her with the IV infusions? What type of medical expert should we seek out for this? 2. Can her blood work be done in the US to ensure her counts are being monitored effectively? She plans to maintain regular contact with her physician back home via phone, as she currently does. Is this plan something that is realistic?
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 4:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that your mother is eager to visit her family while continuing her treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Your questions involve ensuring her ongoing care during the trip to the US and planning for her health monitoring. Here are some important points and recommendations:
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IV Infusion Administration in the US: Yes, a healthcare professional in the US can administer the IV infusions. You would want to seek out oncologists or hospitals that specialize in cancer treatment. They can coordinate the administration of Azacitidine and might even have the facilities to help with her ongoing care. It's essential to inform them about her condition and current treatment schedule.
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Blood Work Monitoring: Yes, blood tests can easily be performed in the US. There are many clinics and hospitals where a complete blood count (CBC) can be conducted. It’s a routine procedure, and you can ensure the lab follows the proper protocols for monitoring her health.
Next Steps:
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Contact Local Oncologists or Hospitals: Before your mother's trip, contact cancer treatment centers or hospitals in the area where she will be staying. Confirm they have the resources for IV infusions and can accommodate her schedule.
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Arrange for Laboratory Services: Look for local clinics that offer blood testing services. You might want to book an appointment in advance to ensure availability.
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Communicate with Her Oncologist: Make sure her physician is aware of the trip. They can provide documentation regarding her treatment and any necessary prescriptions. Additionally, maintaining phone contact with her physician during her stay is a good plan.
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Prepare Medications Safely: Ensure any transported medications are in their original packaging with labels. It’s also advisable to bring a letter from her physician outlining her needs and treatment regimen.
By taking these steps, your mother should be able to maintain her treatment and enjoy her visit. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional information!
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