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Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): how to increase red blood cells?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 1 6:47pm | Replies (101)Comment receiving replies
Does anyone have this blood disorder? Vidaza is the only treatment I know of. I take it in shot form because my body has rejected 2 different ports. But when I had my ports my red blood cell count was always around 11.5 and 12 which is pretty good, but now that I get it in shot form my red blood cell counts have a hard time staying at 8 to 9 and most recently 7.7. I've had 2 bone marrow biopsy's cause my doctor was nervous but the results came back negative well beyond any concern of cancer. I'm just asking if anyone is being treated for MDS with a different drug. My hematologist says this is the best drug out there for my blood disorder, and even he says most people don't do well on this and he was surprised how well I did when I had it administered through a port. I've had 3 blood transfusions over the last 4 years and at 7.7 my doctor's probably going to want me to have another one.
Replies to "Does anyone have this blood disorder? Vidaza is the only treatment I know of. I take..."
Hello @jaylevel1. You may notice I moved your discussion and combined it with your original discussion titled "Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)," so the members who you discussed with previously would have a chance to see your updated question and post. I'd also like to invite @esperanzam to this discussion as well to share their experiences with MDS and treatments. Here is a list of treatments for MDS, and some differ from the Vidaza you are currently taking, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myelodysplastic-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366980. @jaylevel1, have any of the above treatments been discussed with your provider?
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My husband was diagnosed 8-2018. He receives weekly N-plate shots and bi-weekly Aranasp injections. He was also diagnosed with ITP at the same time so his platelet count is low. Weekly CBC's. His platelet count is in the 40's..RBC is at 3 HGB's at 9.5 and that is the highest it's been in a year. WBC holding steady in high 5 area..Neutrophils holding their own in mid to high 4's. He has had around 6 blood transfusions in the last year. 3 rounds of Rituxin last year. He was going to start a chemo shot...1 week on and 3 weeks off but his counts dropped suddenly so that is back burnered for a while because before it works it drops your counts. I wish you success in your treatment my friend. Keep the faith. The wife