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Low HGB
Hi Cheryl,
Before we get any treatment our doctors should look at EPO that is produced in the kidneys. EPO stimulates the bone marrow so that we get more red blood cells. If EPO is less than 500 the patients should try EPO injections for example Aranesp.
My EPO was more than 800 so I never got Aranesp or similar drugs. My HGB was 70 at dx May 2006 and I was transfusion dependent from dx. I have now received 110 units of packed red blood cells without any other complication than too much iron that is treated with other drugs (Desferal and Exjade).
It is natural that your father refuses treatment initially but you should tell him that there are many patients with this disease that live for many years with high quality of life with supportive therapy and perhaps chemo like Vidaza.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A
70 yo, dx MDS Interm-1 May 2006, transfusion dependent, Desferal and Exjade for iron overload and Neupogen 2 injections/week for low white blood cells. asymptomatic
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