Hi @njjwjj Welcome to Connect. It’s very encouraging to hear that the Vidaza (Azacitidine) treatment you’re receiving for MDS is keeping your blood numbers in the ‘awesome’ range! For any of us with a blood cancer, those are the words we like to see! From my understanding Vidaza is a medication you’ll be on for an extended period unless it stops working for you or if there are side effects where your doctor feels another medication would be more helpful.
I did find a good article from Chemoexperts.com about Azacitidine. https://www.chemoexperts.com/azacitidine-vidaza.html
Here is an excerpt:
“Azacitidine is designed to help the bone marrow produce more healthy and normal functioning cells.
Goals of therapy:
Azacitidine is given to help increase blood cell counts, reduce the risk of infection, reduce the amount of blood transfusions needed, decrease the risk of bleeding, and to prevent MyeloDysplastic Syndrome (MDS) from transforming to acute leukemia. Azacitidine is not commonly given with the goal of cure.
Azacitidine is repeated every 28 days. This is known as one cycle. Treatment is continued until azacitidine is no longer working or it is stopped because of unacceptable side effects”
There are also several conversations in the blood cancer and disorders support group with other members who have MDS. It’s nice to meet people and chat with people who have similar health conditions. You may want to pop into this discussion:
Living with MDS:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-mds/
@momz @nbadry @rrivory @lorieafoote @ jps01 @snakebite and several other members
Other members (or have loved ones) who are also in treatment with Bidaza are @timt347 @camacho. They may be able to talk a little more with you about the duration of treatment.
Does your doctor feel your low kidney function is related to the Bidaza?
Lori, I’m amazed at your dedication in helping answer question and concerns. You have messaged me a couple of times concerning my husband. I am so concerned about his chemo coming up March the 18th. What our concerns are his platelet counts being always low. He has had 8 platelet infusions in the last month and half. They will be treating him with Vidaza 7 days then off for month. I pray it doesn’t take them to low. They go below 20 about every 3 days then the infusions. Has not had to have any red or white infusions. Has any one else had low platelets and had Vidaza chemo. Praying for all.