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Low WBC, Low Platelets, Low RBC, Large cells - is it always Leukemia?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 23 6:01pm | Replies (94)Comment receiving replies
I just turned 61 in July. My hemotologist gave me the diagnosis of low risk MDS last Wednesday on the phone. He said he did not have all the bone marrow test results back yet. I still have my appointment in his office for Aug 11. All he said was that the treatment for now is to not do anything.
I am very concerned of two things: (1) how susceptible am I to infections with my current numbers. What can I do and not do. (2) I hadn't had a blood test in 6 years (with work and taking care of my dad with dementia) waiting till I retired last January to take care of myself. I worry how long have I had MDS, how long into the timeline am I already.
Is it possible to have low risk MDS and not have it progress to AML for 10-15 years?
Replies to "I just turned 61 in July. My hemotologist gave me the diagnosis of low risk MDS..."
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It's hard to know whether you had MDS for a while with the gap in blood tests, but it won't help to be concerned about the possibility and does not change where you are now. My neutrophils and WBC are low as well. My Oncologist prescribed low dosage antiviral and antibiotics which I take daily. Plan to ask your Dr how at risk you are and whether you need maintenance doses of anti-virals and antibiotics. Is your Dr also an Oncologist? Plan to discuss a Stem Cell Transplant also. Take a list of questions to your meeting with the Dr. Take someone with you if you can so they can help with questions or help remember questions. You have an huge advantage since you are 61 The cutoff age for many providers is 75. You have plenty of time to decide your path. Yes "watch and wait" is normal when in the early stages of the disease. I look forward to hearing how the meeting with your Dr goes.