[For_Emma]

Ok if I don't laugh I am going to cry hence the bit of humor in my Post Title. Let me start by saying that I have been drinking from a fire hose trying to bring myself up to speed on MDS and the many different alternative treatments. I have been reading as much as I can and asking as many questions that I can as an advocate for my wonderful 78 year old mother.

I do have the following questions on how to improve platelet counts with MDS patients.

My mother was diagnosed with MDS 1 year ago. Her platelets were in the 50-60's last year however once she was administered the Procrit and Revlimid her platelet counts dropped to the 27 range. She has had 3 blood transfusions w/platelets in the past 5 months. I was reading about natural means by which platelets could be increased.

Question #1: Has anyone tried natural ways to improve platelet counts with positive results such as increase in leafy veggies, Omega 3 fatty acids, 1000 IU of Vitamin C, Papya Juice, Flack Seeds, Eggs, Salmon, Tuna ? .... what else am I missing?

Question #2: If not a natural way to increase platelets what medications are available that have had positive results with minimal side effects.

Question #3: Once your platelets, WBC, HBG drop via use of Procrit / Revlimid or Vadiza will they ever come back. I thought I read somewhere that these medications can cause the counts to drop and are irreversible meaning the counts can never come up. Does anyone know if that is a true statement?

Thanks again everyone and have a blessed evening. Cynthia