[kgtuck]

Neel, I notice that your dad and I are about the same age and same diagnosis. After starting Dacogen, it took 3 months to show improvement and when it did, my counts became stable and have continued to be stable for 3 years. During those first 3 months, my counts bounced up and down, hgb, platelets and white count. I had to have 5 blood transfusions and 6 platelets added during that time until my counts stabilized. I do know that it could take longer, possible 6 months or so for some people. One nurse put it simply, "you have to get enough of the drug in your system before you can expect improvement". I just wanted to share my experience so that you won't be too discouraged! My only side effects are constipation and a day or so fatigue the week after treatments, a slight change in taste/appetite, and also white counts drop slightly, then rise during the 3 weeks between treatments. The best to you and your dad!