my father diagnosed with aplastic anaemia

[Paul2012]

Hello - My father has just been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, through a bone marrow biopsy. He's being given predinsone, which I've read isn't really an effective treatment. I suppose I'm just thinking that maybe they are trying to prop him up a bit until he dies. I just don't know how long he may have. Feeling pretty low. By the way, he's 85 and has had diabetes since he was 12. If anyone is able to advise me in some way, even in the absence of a full clinical profile, I'd be very grateful - even if the news is harsh.

Many thanks

Paul

[ssdavi71416]

Paul

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Remember that Aplastic anemia comes in many levels. You father may have reduced Red blood cell levels, reduced White blood cell levels and or reduced platelet levels. Many people live with moderate AA without treatment. If these blood levels are only slightly reduced then the Dr. may feel a wait and see approach is the best treatment at this point. When I was waiting my diagnosis the Dr increased my predinisone to try and increase my plateletes. Even though your father is of advanced age and has other health problems, I think he could probably be helped by supportive care dependant on blood levels. If you have not already visited a specialist an appointment with a hematologist is recommended. Even in the absence of a cure, supportive care including red blood cell and platelet transfusions can sustain life. If your father has a low white count he may also be placed on antibiotics antifungals and antivirals to avoid infections. I wish you and your father the best!! The website AAMDS.org is the US aplastic anemia website and contains information about AA. Others on marrowforums are more knowledgable about AA than I and will probably add to the discussion. The most important thing at this point is to insure you are seeing the correct type of Dr.

Scott

[Paul2012]

Scott, you are so kind to have sent such a thoughtful reply. I thank you. My father told me today he is producing 'no red blood cells' but this may just have been a manner of speaking. I'll try to speak to his haematologist tomorrow. Thank you very much for taking the trouble to write.

Paul

[Neil Cuadra]

Paul,

Will you be able to accompany your father to future appointments? It's a lot easier to get the facts if you get them first-hand. It's the rare patient, especially at age 85, who can understand, remember, and pass along everything a doctor says.

At the next opportunity I suggest that you ask for, or have your father ask for, the lab report of his blood counts. It is called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or a Full Blood Count (FBC).

To understand what's in the lab report, you can ask his current doctor, ask the haematologists you'll see, look at medical web pages like this or ask other patients and family members here at Marrowforums.

[Paul2012]

Thank you, Neil. I'm hoping to speak to the doctor tomorrow and will ask her for the lab report.

I'm very grateful.

All the best

Paul