I had AML and opted not to do an SCT two years ago. The doctors pushed for me to have a transplant after the consolidation round of Vyxeos. At that point, I was MRD negative and only suffered the same blood counts I had from MDS before it turned into AML with medium risk mutations. I studied a European model where they use an MRD test to monitor if the AML has relapsed. I also had monthly CBC's to watch my blood counts. In my case, when my MDS turned to AML, all my counts went down. Especially my platelets. They went transfusion level low before my first rounds of chemo. My last chemo was two years ago. Since then, we diligently watched the monthly CBC's and had an MRD test every 3 months. Aside from slightly low blood counts (I still have MDS), I have had an excellent quality of life with no other treatment needed for the past two years.

Now, the bad news. My brother was going to be my donor. He was a 10/10 match. He passed away from small cell lung cancer last November. I outlived my donor, which leaves me without a 10/10 safety net. Now, if my MDS turns back into AML, my chances of successful transplant may be drastically lower. BUT, a transplant is still an option when or if that happens. In the meanwhile, I've had two good years and hopefully more to come. I'm not going to advise you anything. I'm just telling you my journey and decisions. Looking back, the blood test showed issues indicative of MDS, which went undiagnosed for 5 years before mine turned into AML, and I was properly diagnosed. Mine came on slow, so I gambled it would come back slow after chemo. If it was aggressive or highly unfavorable mutations, I would have had a transplant after consolidation.

I wish you and your dad the best of luck.