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Just wanted to say that don't be discouraged if the Aranesp doesn't seem to be working right away. My husband started receiving injections in late June, the hematologist discontinued them in mid August (after 6 weeks) because they didn't appear to be working. During the second half of treatment, Neupogen injections were given as well.
I should add that Bruce's EPO levels are in the low 400 range and we were told the odds of Aranesp working were low (like 20%).
Bruce had a transfusion in late August. His counts went up a little, then resumed their downward trend.
But 10 days ago Bruce had another CBC and it showed all his counts were up. A BMB done in late September showed that red blood count precursors had improved. We just got back from a consult with Dr. Paquette at UCLA. He believes the Aranesp is now kicking in. He showed us results of a clinical trial published in 2008 that indicates some patients don't experience results from Aranesp until 3 months in but that in that time period, more than 80% of patients do respond.
He recommended that Bruce resume the Aranesp.
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Catherine, wife of Bruce age 75; diagnosed 6/10/11 with macrocytic anemia, neutropenia and mild thrombocytopenia; BMB suggesting emerging MDS. Copper deficient. Currently receiving procrit and neuopogen injections weekly, B12 dermal cream and injections, Transfusions ~ 5 weeks.
Last edited by cathybee1 : Sun Oct 17, 2010 at 11:38 PM.
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