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@audreyl23

Hi @sjjs. I have had stable and asymptomatic CCUS for many years with DNMT3a and TET2 mutations. Both had high VAFs (the frequency at which a variant/mutation is detected in a specimen). For many years my Platelet count was in the 90-120K range. (Normal is 150-450K). Five or so years ago, my platelets dropped into the 90-100K range. I have recently acquired a new mutation (CUX-1). Along with the new mutation, my platelets have decreased to the mid-70 to 80K range over four months in a row. Other than fatigue, I still have been asymptomatic. I have seen many hematologists over the years due to change in job/insurance; MD retiring and/or leaving the practice. I’ve been to both BI/Lahey and Dana Farber for my care. (Dana Farber exclusively now for close to 5 years). I have also seen a hematologist for second opinion at Sloan Kettering. Everyone has told me the same thing you describe above. Unless something suddenly or dramatically changes in bloodwork or symptoms, a wait and see approach is standard of care. This is because treatment has the potential to make an otherwise asymptomatic person become sick. Since you are receiving EPO injections monthly, it seems you are anemic/ have a low hemoglobin. Watch your numbers for hemoglobin and hematocrit. If they change dramatically, it is time to do something more. You can have a test called NGS or rapid heme panel. This test was developed at DF for clinical decision making for patients who have CCUS/MDS. “It is a high-tech genetic test that provides an unprecedented amount of critical information to aid in the choice of treatment in a matter of days.” This can be done with a simple blood test. If your doctor isn’t ready to repeat the bone marrow biopsy, you can request this test. First be sure you are covered by your insurance, as this test can be expensive. You mentioned you are interested in learning more on Epigenetics. You may want to read the Biology of Belief, by Bruce Lipton. It is an excellent resource. Best wishes to you.

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Replies to "Hi @sjjs. I have had stable and asymptomatic CCUS for many years with DNMT3a and TET2..."

Hello and thank you Audrey for such a detailed response.
Even with living in LA, personally, I feel there is no finer medicine than at the 2 institutions you mentioned. -DF and MSK. DF is on my radar.

I am very familiar with Boston, at least I was until 1996 as my son Jason had a very rare genetic liver disease and the best care for him was at BCH. Jason was born in 1970, and we were up and back from BCH from 1973-1996. Along with another family (also from LA), we started a foundation with Harvard. We changed the trajectory of a disease that barely had a half page in a medical book to a community where the kids are living today (many sub-types identified) throughout many parts of the world 🌏.
(Jason passed away in 2021) our story is on the history link of Fiberwater dot com if you are interested.

I mention this because the world of medicine, especially being in uncharted waters, is not new to me—it's just that it has not been me.

Right now I have several members of my immediate family that have serious life threatening medical needs so I am focused on their care.

Casey O’Connell MD is considered a top doctor in this space and she is at USC Keck. (my alma mater)

Hemotologist Ron Paquette and David Hoffman (also a friend) are at Cedars.

Embarrassingly I forgot the doctor's name at UCSD but he is also well known and with San Diego only a couple of hours south of me we drove there for his presentation. Nothing earth-shattering in education however we met some wonderful people both on the medical and patient side.

Really my only decision at this time is how low to allow my hemoglobin to go before I take an EPO injection and are they is “dangerous” in the long run —-potentially causing other problems.

I wish you and everyone the very best as we travel the not-so-traveled road in relatively uncharted waters
Suzanne