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Hi Bergit,
I appreciate your response, and some of your findings from your group of friends in relation to SCT. You bring up an interesting fact, which was part of my original question and further discussion with Greg. That deals with the issue of age and fitness at the time of SCT. If we wait until we are sicker and older for the transplant, are we reducing the odds of a successful outcome? At the same time, if we do the transplant earlier, and it is not successful at some point in the process, are we shortening our lives when we could have just opted for various treatments.
The first specialist that diagnosed me suggested the BMT/SCT realitivily soon (once there was a need for treatments), while the second specialist from an MDS center of excellence suggested treatments, buying time with the chance of perhaps new drugs becoming available and then the BMT may not be even necessary, but if it is, then it would be the last step. Of course during this time we age and become less prepared for the transplant. It is a difficult and individualized journey.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Thanks though for adding to our discussion. Since I have been newly diagnosed, this forum has been very educational and I appreciate the sharing of information and experiences!
Janice
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Female, age 52 - Diagnosed May, 2011 Hypoplastic MDS. Cytogenetics showing 2 abnormalities on chromosome 15. Blasts<5%, IPSS of 1. All blood counts low, but no treatment; watch and wait. Registered for MUD; on Feb. 23/12 two donor matches found but returned since not needed yet!
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