Hi, my name is LeAnn and I have recently been diagnosed with MDS. I am 58 yrs old. My RBCs are the only cells involved at this time so I have what they call refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts. I am considered in the good category according to the cytogenitics test but have had three transfusions within the last 2 1/2 months. My latest hemoglobin was at 6.7 when transfused. I have been on Aranesp injections for 9 weeks and will be getting the 4th injection on the 28th of this month. I was told that the injections would take about 12 weeks to show if they were working but with the recent drop in the hemoglobin it makes me wonder if they are working. The doctor has mentioned the drug, Vidaza, and I am wondering if anyone out there has started on Aranesp first and had the same results, and then started on Vidaza. I must admit the side effects scare me.
