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Annette,
I am sorry to hear about your mom's progression. It is really hard to say what that means as MDS has a very unpredictable course and varies from patient to patient.
Platelet transfusions are typically short-lived as platelets have a lifecycle of about 10 days from generation to expiration, whereas red blood cells typically have a 180 day lifespan. What that means is that fresh platelets when available are best, but the bump in platelets usually will last a week or less, but can help out for up to 2 weeks, depending on how well she is producing platelets.
There are some other options if she is not having any bleeding episodes that may be able to help. I think there are a couple of drugs that can be used to help with bleeding prevention such as Amicar. Most doctors don't like to prescribe this due to side effects, but it might be something to ask about if she is generally stable otherwise. Some people do ok down to 10k or even 5k platelets, but it can be dangerous if the patient falls, especially if they hit their head.
Dan
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MDS RCMD w/grade 2-3 fibrosis. Allo-MUD Feb 26, 2014. Relapsed August 2014. Free and clear of MDS since November 2014 after treatment with Vidaza and Rituxan. Experiencing autoimmune attack on CNS thought to be GVHD, some gut, skin and ocular cGVHD. Neuropathy over 80% of body.
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