Yes, Medicare also denied me a stem cell transplant for MDS. That is standard for them. Crazy isn't it, since many seniors will be diagnosed with MDS in the next 5 - 10 years. (I am 65) You are a "Spring Chicken" at 58. I was 56 when I had my first transplant at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, unrelated donor, my diagnosis stage at transplant RAEBt - not too good. But until recently, just under 9 years disease free survival, doing OK. Now faced with possible 2nd MDS transplant.
My advice to you, which MD Anderson may already have accomplished is to undergo either a full transplant or a "mini" transplant -- assuming you can find a donor. This is your only hope of long term survival (I am not a doctor, but an expeirenced patient.)
Now that you are converted to AML Medicare should pay for the transplant.
If not already accomplished, do it now. MD Anderson is one of the 3 or 4 best transplant facilities in the country. You can not go wrong there.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
