Good morning, @vng I know what it’s like to plunge into the world of blood cancer without a hint of knowledge about what to expect. Pretty alarming and can certainly leave a person feeling lonely and uncertain. Having gone through what my mom would call “baptism by fire” I learned a heckuva a lot about blood, blood cancers and bone marrow transplantation over the years. I find it fascinating.
It’s important we all have a lifeline! That’s one reason I’m here, along with all the other awesome members, like you, to join in with sharing experiences. Together, we’re one big supportive family (without the drama of Thanksgiving dinners LOL )

Taking a break from chemo can be a good therapeutic period where the body is allowed to recover. The Vidaza looks like it was doing a great job keeping your husband’s MDS in check. I’m sure it was a relief for both of you and your husband’s doctor to see some improvements on that BMB from 2 years ago! If several of the mutations are no longer detectable that means those cancer cells are gone! That’s awesome!
But what’s not cool is the lack of red blood cells. Chemo generally kills quickly dividing cells. Unfortunately, they don’t discriminate and will take out other quickly dividing cells such as the blood cells. The marrow can also slow down or not be as efficient. So that break from chemo may help the marrow recover allowing it to generate more healthy blood cells again. The EPO injections encourage the body to produce red blood cells, which should help nudge up your husband’s red blood supply a little faster. If not, like you said, a having a transfusion is a great boost…both in cells and energy!

How has your husband been feeling? I’m sure with lower red counts he’s a bit fatigued. But otherwise, how is he doing?