Doctor, please tell me my diagnosis

[Statmatics]

First post here. Thanks to everyone for your expertise.

In April 2024 I had my first bone marrow biopsy and I just had another one last week. I started Procrit about 6 weeks ago.

My question: Is a doctor obligated to give you a named diagnosis? So far I have gotten "tendency toward MDS," "lazy bone marrow," "there are blasts in your blood," and "you need Vidaza." Should I demand a single, official name, or just go along with these wishy-washy descriptions?

Thanks for your help.

[Ruth Cuadra]

Hello and welcome to Marrowforums. You've certainly described an odd situation. I don't know why your doctor wouldn't just say you have MDS, but there are some things you can do for yourself:

(1) Take a look at our MDS Classification Tool to identify your score or subtype under five different MDS classification schemes. It's important to know your classification because it has implications for which treatment(s) might best suit your situation.

(2) Review the MDS classification information available from the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation.

(3) Get a second opinion. You don't necessarily need to change the doctor who is treating you, but you want confirmation that the treatment plan is reasonable given your symptoms and test results.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to post additional details about your diagnosis so our members can help.

Regards,
Ruth Cuadra

[Statmatics]

Thank you so much, Ruth. This is what I needed. At this point I have only limited info to fill in the Classification Tool form, but I will endeavor to get all the information.

I recently changed hematologists. There are certainly all kinds of doctors and my old hematologist provided minimum information. He scolded me many times for wanting more information.

Thanks again.