Newly diagnosed with MDS

[FrankG37]

I've been diagnosed with a MDS. Taking chemo treatment at the VA in Maywood Illinois. The doctor at the VA has prescribed a shot of Filagrastim once a week for 4 weeks to reduce chance of infection during chemo treatments & Darbepoetin to increase red blood cell count. So far so good my hemoglobin counts have been holding at above seven and platelets counts have been study at 6.9. Dr. has been holding back on blood transfusion as long as above counts remained steady. The white and red blood counts have been low but they have been that way for 3 to 4 months I am in my 70s and all other vital signs are in normal range looking for any helpful suggestions or comments.

[Neil Cuadra]

Frank,

I'm sorry that you received the MDS diagnoses but glad that your treatment has been able to maintain your counts. Many patients in these forums have been given Neupogen (filgrastim) and Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) for the same reasons you're getting them.

Do you know your MDS subtype, your "blast" (immature cell) count, and what type of chemo you're getting? That information may give you a better idea of the status of your MDS and how your situation compares with other patients.