My MDS does not respond to treatments. What's next?

Posted by jeffreykassover1 @jeffreykassover1, 1 day ago

Have not responded to any treatments, not about to try transfusions only, what can I expect. I am 77 years old.

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If you have a contact, I would appreciate it. Thank you

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We have had a number of discussions about BMT. I'm 77 years old, 78 in November, and most places that I have visited online, and various sites all seem to indicate that BMT is not recommended for those over 70. There are several places ( Slone, Moffitt, etc.) that look at the whole person as part of the consideration for transplantation. Could I find someone who might do a BMT, possibly? He does not think I'm a good candidate, and doubtful I would have good results. We are still wrestling with the decision and will probably not try it. What do you think?

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My wife went through 1 1/2 years of treatment for severe aplastic anemia, which is closely related to MDS. She was 83 with some comorbidities. She was definitely not a candidate but I researched BMT like you have and found the same things. The upper age for doing it has risen over the years but upper 70’s seems to be above the limit. We were at MDAnderson in Houston. If you haven’t checked yet you could contact the NIH where Dr. Neil Young is the guru of these diseases. I have the nurse contact somewhere if you need it. The national AAMDS foundation has many resources as well as Zoom support groups. Good luck to you. These are very difficult diseases to treat and I wish you well.

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We have had a number of discussions about BMT. I'm 77 years old, 78 in November, and most places that I have visited online, and various sites all seem to indicate that BMT is not recommended for those over 70. There are several places ( Slone, Moffitt, etc.) that look at the whole person as part of the consideration for transplantation. Could I find someone who might do a BMT, possibly? He does not think I'm a good candidate, and doubtful I would have good results. We are still wrestling with the decision and will probably not try it. What do you think?

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@jeffreykassover1, I see from previous posts that your team has tried various medications to which your myelodysplastic syndrome has not responded. That's always hard news to get.

- Myelodysplastic syndromes: Treatment options https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myelodysplastic-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366980

Has the option of the bone marrow transplant been discussed? Is that an option for you?

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