Vidaza and Blood Transfusions

[Alice P]

My husband was diagnosed with MDS in May 2010. He was treated with Aranesp and Neulasta until late August when he started on Vidaza (the Aranesp and Neulasta are also continuing as needed). He had his first red blood cell transfusion in July. He has had 4 more since then, most of which were 4-6 weeks apart. However, 2 weeks ago he had a transfusion that really never seemed to "kick in." He had another yesterday and so far has not felt any improvement. I am wondering if this is part of the suppression that Vidaza causes in the beginning, or is it possible for red blood cell transfusion to quit working? If so, then what??

[cheri]

Hi Alice
I just finished cycle 3 of Vidaza and am getting transfusions more and more often--2 in the last week! My platelets are not holding at all...yesterday I got 2 units of blood and platelets; more platelets tomorrow.
I am already on irradiated blood and HLA platelets that have to be ordered and come from Phila blood bank.....
I am going to my oncologist tomorrow and hope to get more info....I'll let you know.....
Would love to hear from others, but as they say, everyone is different.
My white count is 1.1; platelets 11, hgb 10 as of today....
Hold on tight and I wish you the best....keep in touch!

[ann]

My husband started Vidaza in August 2009 and it took him a few months to level off. We were really worried for months that the Vidaza wasn't working but it seemed to "kick in" and the transfusions got further and further apart. Now, we are waiting for his 18th round but has been delayed for 2 weeks so far because of low WBC. His platlets and RBC are not good but the white are really low. He got procrit shots bi-weekly after about 9 months into Vidaza treatments. HE got the procrit this week and last week, but its not bringing up his blood counts. Now they are trying a series of four Neuprogen injections. I pray that his counts will go up and he can continue with the Vidaza.
Hang in there ladies, be sure that your oncologists are giving you all the information you need. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Alice P]

Thank you for the replies. I'm new to the forum, and it's helpful to read about others who are going through the same thing. I wish the best to both of you.

[riccd2001]

Besides the date of blood donation and its expiration date, there is also the variation of actual volume amount which for me has ranged from 238ml to 343ml (a volume difference of 44 per cent is considerable).

Another variable to consider as the number of transfusions and antigens increase is the cross/match process which takes longer to do as well as becoming more difficult to find a donor that is compatible.