Melissa, i am not a doctor, but i can share what I've been doing:
1. sudden diagnosis of AML (quickly ramped up from MDS) in April 2024
2. biopsy showed 15% blasts (very bad)
3. after round one Vidaza/Venetoclax next biopsy showed blasts less than 1%, and formerly in-the-tank platelets (became transfusion dependent) came back up close to normal (no transfusion since)
4. still dealing with super low WBC count, but managing with anti-fungal, -biotic and -viral; and avoiding crowds, sick family, cuts, etc.; just finished round 5 of the V/V
5. I've done a ton of research as a layperson, and have heard nothing about Dacogen: the medical papers and journals i read praise the Vidaza/Venetoclax regimen
6. i have also discovered there is a subset of oncologists who are not well-informed, and it is CRITICAL to get a second or third opinion; i went from a private oncologist, to Moffitt, and eventually to Sylvester UM to find the best expert
7. lastly, you mentioned being an introvert: either that has to change now (sorry) - you must advocate for your self and ask questions - or find someone who will be your strong and outspoken advocate. Now is not the time to worry about offending the doctors; i am always respectful but i pushback firmly if i am not getting the answers i need, or want to know "why" a certain drug or action is recommended. i cannot emphasize this enough...
Melissa, happy to add more details if you wish, and I will add you to my very long prayer log for wisdom, patience, a strong advocate to come along side you, and of course healing.