Replies to @katgob My husband is just starting into testing his bone marrow. We are older now, but...

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Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Aug 22 7:22am | Replies (11)

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@patriciakennedy

@katgob My husband is just starting into testing his bone marrow. We are older now, but he did have a sister who died of a sudden attack thought to be flu/pneumonia, but it turned out to be leukemia and she died within two weeks of that diagnosis. Again, I am wondering about hereditary influences.

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Replies to "@katgob My husband is just starting into testing his bone marrow. We are older now, but..."

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Aug 11 7:57am

Hi @patriciakennedy Most blood cancers such as MDS and AML aren’t hereditary. Random acquired mutations during a lifetime can bring about a change to the DNA. There can be familial ties if there is an underlying predisposition to the defect. But generally, it is some random mutation that wasn’t preventable.

I found a quick-read for you that sheds some light on MDS from Biology Insights:
https://biologyinsights.com/is-mds-genetic-acquired-vs-inherited-risk-factors/
I’m sorry to hear your husband’s sister passed suddenly from leukemia years ago. She most likely had AML or acute myeloid leukemia. It can be very sneaky, not causing much of any disturbance until it’s at a critical stage. Thirty years ago there was very little chance to save her. Now, with the advancement in cancer treatments, we have some amazing options for patients with AML, MDS and so many other blood cancers.
My personal story is that I had AML 7 years ago. As little as three weeks before my diagnosis I was still tromping through the woods on snowshoes for hours! No worries. Then a rapid decline in my health which was very much ‘flu-like’ until I was rushed to the hospital. Thanks to an amazing oncology team and better living through chemistry, I’m here to help others through their cancer journey.

Whether or not there is a genetic link to your husband’s possible MDS, you may never know. And this isn’t the type of cancer where preemptive treatment would benefit, if you’re concerned about other family members.
Your husband (and you) are at the beginning of a new journey. The bone marrow biopsy, along with genetic testing will help his doctor determine the type and scope of his MDS. There are different types of MDS, some more aggressive than others which require treatment. Some require only monitoring for the time being. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop them right here in the conversation. There are quite a few MDS members, along with myself, who will be happy to answer your questions or allay your fears. ☺️
When is your husband’s bone marrow biopsy scheduled? What were his symptoms leading up to his diagnosis?

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