Anyone have bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia?

Well yesterday now our physicians said he is not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. With that first round of chemo and the way his body reacted with the infection process they don’t feel he could survive the process. I know only cure they said in the beginning of our journey. So it was very hard to hear but we decided on our option #2 which is the gentle chemo 5 days outpatient followed by 10days of pills repeating every 4-6 wks. Hopefully then his body can handle that and not be hospitalized. My husband is at peace right now with this even knowing it isn’t the cure, I also have to try and accept what he feels he can handle.

Good morning, @jrwilli1 There can be a certain comfort in having a huge decision made for you and I think that’s where your husband is right now. The possibility of the bmt was weighing heavily on his mind, and rightfully so. It’s an arduous journey and there is a lengthy recovery time.

What’s great is that he was presented with 3 options! Sometimes that’s not the case. So for your husband and his past experience with the negative reaction his body had to his induction chemo, being able to have the milder chemo and meds is an excellent choice.

Going into his treatment with a peaceful mind will really benefit him. I know you were hoping for the transplant but honestly, I feel he was dreading that option and it has to be a personal decision. Life holds no guarantees anyway. So for your husband, accepting that this is now his treatment plan will allow him to move forward and get on with his life.
In our house it’s called “better living through chemistry” ☺️

He will have some down days after the chemo, even if it’s mild. It’s just part of the process. The chemo kills the cancer cells but it also takes a toll on the blood cells. But each time, they will regenerate and he should regain his strength and some energy.

I did find some conversations in our forum that you may want to peruse. These are from other members who have MDS. Some of the conversations are older but the treatments and symptoms remain the same. When you look at the discussions, you have the option of reversing the Oldest to Newest rotation so that more current chats are up first.

-I have been diagnosed and under treatment for MDS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-been-diagnosed-and-under-treatment-for-mds-whag-are-the/

-MDS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myelodysplastic-syndrome-mds-1/

-Hematology Blog post from 2019
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/hematology/newsfeed-post/myelodysplastic-syndromes-treatment-past-present-and-goals-for-the-future/

I’d really like to follow along with you and your husband. It’s not easy being a caregiver either! You’ve got a whole new family to talk things over with on Connect. ☺️
Let me know when he starts treatment ok?

We start chemo Nov 28 for 5 days as an outpatient followed by 10 days of pills. Yes, thank you so very much for your response. I needed to hear this. We went to PT this morning and she was kind of upset that he can’t get the transplant. She has been working so hard to get his body ready. But I told her it isn’t only physical but mentally has to be ready. Oh plus big thing he has Parkinson’s as well and drs thought that might play a role in all this as well to recover. I’ll try and keep up on site. Very helpful. Thanks again