[Leah]

Hello,
My Dad was diagnosed with MDS in January 2007. He started EPO about six months ago and responded so well that they cut it back to every other week.

Now his RBC counts are down and they want to give him a transfusion.

He says he felt better and more energetic last week than he has in a long time.

What I want to know is, is it a good idea for him to refuse the transfusion? is there a cut off level when transfusions are neccessary, even if you're feeling well? And shouldn't they try increasing the frequency of the EPO injections first?

Thanks for any informaton you might have.

Leah