MDS and thin skin, bruising, etc.: What else to watch out for?

I have been diagnosed for 2 years and have had concerns for 3. I started injections every three weeks since last September. There has been little change in my bloodwork which I have done every month. Still tired. Always bruised before but more prominent now. This week I have been getting little blood blisters on my hands. Not sure if it is something to worry about.
I do have hot flashes. At almost 76 , it must be the MDS

Hi @brendamarlene. I read through a few of your past posts in Connect. You’ve certainly been so diligent with making sure you get the important labs which helped confirm your diagnosis of MDS. It’s good to keep ahead of this disease and your monthly blood work will be helpful.
Has there been a change in your platelet levels? Sometimes when they decrease it’s not uncommon to develop little blood blisters. But you might want to mention the blood blisters and the hot flashes with your doctor or NP. I was always instructed to note any changes in symptoms with my oncologist, if for nothing else, a baseline for changes. That type of thing.

What type of injections are you receiving? Is this to help increase red blood counts?

I am taking injections of Aranesp (d arbepoetin Alfa) PFS 500 mcg/1.0 L
It is my understanding although I may be wrong , that it is to increase my white blood cells.
My platelets were fine (155) until fall and were as low as 116 but stable and the last bloodwork it was 120.0 x 10e9/L
My oncologist feels if my numbers, although low are stable that is what we can hope for.

Hi @brendamarlene The Aranesp you’re receiving is used to increase your red blood cells. With MDS, sometimes the bone marrow isn’t able to keep up with blood cell productions. Most often it involves the red blood cells. In that case, it’s not unusual to experience anemia. So medications like Aranesp help the body to produce more red blood cells.
Have your red blood counts been lower than normal?

@loribmt
My red cell count was panic low at one time but for several months it has just been below normal.

@brendamarlene Panic low, is low! When your red blood count was that low, I bet you felt horrible…like a slug! Did you receive a blood transfusion at that time?

Is there anyone that has MDS and get these little bump that itch like crazy? I get them on my cheeks in the side burn area down to my neck. Has anyone found anything that can be applied to them to get rid of them or at least stop the itch?

I have the bumps, rash, and itching - these were the first signs (before the blood test results were available) that my MDS had progressed. I've been on Vidaza for 5 cycles and it seems to have helped as I'm not itching quite so much and the bumps and sores have diminished. Ask your Hem/Onc about topical medications such as corticosteroid ointments or oral medications. I also take OTC Benadryl for the itching at night, so I don't have to worry about drowsiness and loratadine in the morning, which gets me through most of the day. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your suggestions. I had a pet scan the other day and having a video conference with my doctor tomorrow. I will mention Vidaza to my doctor tomorrow and see what she says.