Frustrated

[Ashkat9202]

Hello new here was diagnosed with MDS in October , I am receiving arenesp injections once a week , started receiving them in July , starting with a low dosege every other week .with no change . Soon after that I started receiving the once a week . The whole time only having a blood level high enough to not have treatment . I'm frustrated is there anything else I can suggest to my Dr. To try ?

[Neil Cuadra]

Ashkat9202,

The purpose of Aranesp (erythropoietin) is to boost your red cell count. That won't cure your MDS, but it can help you avoid transfusions and other treatments that carry their own risks. In that sense, I'd say that Aranesp is doing its job.

Do you know what your MDS subtype is? Or your risk categorization?

If you are young and healthy with high-risk MDS, other treatments are likely warranted. If you are an octogenarian with other health conditions and low-risk MDS, this kind of sustaining support may be all that makes sense.

I think it's worth discussing other possible treatments with your doctor, since he or she knows your specific situation. If your doctor isn't experienced with MDS, I suggest consulting a doctor who is.