Hi @twitt1949 A quick tutorial for you. Platelets are the portion of your blood that is responsible for helping your to blood clot. If the level of platelets in your total volume of blood falls off then it takes longer for blood to clot if you get a nick/cut or injured.

As you mentioned after looking at your results being tracked since last October, there has been a downward trend in your platelet level. When you look at the printout, the normal range for platelets would be between 150,000 to 450,000 K/UL. That means anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets would expect to be counted per microliter of blood. (Or, 150-450K per K/UL)

With your platelet reading of 79 that indicates the lab found 79,000 platelets in one microliter of blood. So that does put you in a moderate level of low platelets. (50-100 K/UL is considered moderately low range) This is not a dangerously low level but you don’t want to take up knife juggling right now. ☺️ However, this lower platelet level could explain the bleeding gums.

You’re wondering what happens if the platelets keep decreasing. This is good question for your doctor. There are varying treatment options she can discuss with you, often including medications and transfusions if the levels get too low. But that’s putting the cart way before the horse. That’s only ‘if or when’ your doctor feels it’s time for you to take the next step with your MDS.
I know you have a video appt with your oncologist coming up in early May. Have your list of questions or concerns written out and ready for your visit. It helps to stay on task and have the time to answer everything. Include on the list that you’re experiencing bleeding gums. And any other symptoms you might be noticing such as bruising or nosebleeds, etc.
These are all good questions you’re posing but only your doctor can give you the definitive answers for what’s next.