bone marrow transplant for mds

[rob k]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had a bone marrow transplant for mds after the age of 65? My dad is 71 and in great shape, but I'm worried if he is too old for the procedure. I know it is very risky. Is there anyone who had a transplant and is now in complete remission with little or no side effects?

[kris]

My husband was 66 and very debilitated prior to his transplant. He is 336 days post transplant and every day he is stronger. We felt our first discussion with a transplant team was very negative. Then doing our research we realized there are hematologist and then there are MDS/AA specialist. Is he seeing someone at the cleveland clinic?
Ask questions and then let Dad make his decision if he is deemed a candidate. It all depends on his biopsy , chromosome abnormalities and co-morbidities.

Good luck and good sped to you and your Dad

[rob k]

Hi kris, my dad is being seen at the cleveland clinic. His doctor isn't very excited about a transplant, but leaves the decision to us. Dad had a tissue type screening, I believe that is what it's called, about a month ago. We are now waiting to see if there is a donor match. I was wondering what was given to your husband after the vidaza failed. My dad was on vidaza and revlimid simultaneousy for 2 years. He went into complete remission after 2 or 3 cycles, but now the disease is progressing. He now injects himself with a low dosage of cytarabine. I was wondering if you remember what your husband's blast percentage was in his bone marrow before he had the transplant done? Thank you!

[Mary4Mike]

Rob,
As you can read my signature, my husband had a stem cell transplant at 64 years of age. He is 3 years out and has very little side effects. For him, it was the best thing he could have done. The Lord truely blessed him with a cure. My husband had a 13 month remission with Vidaza. He did Revlimid - nothing. He tried Dacogen after that with horrid side effects. Transplant was the next step because transfusion was not effective anymore. Also, his biopsies were showing changes in cytogenetics. His blasts were never higher than 1 or 2%. He was in fairly good shape prior to transplant except for the symptoms of low HGB. Our transplant team (U of M) was extremely positive. We would highly recommend them. If you have anymore questions, please ask.

Mary

[kris]

Rob,
Transplant is a very personal choice. Rick was undecided until he became transfusion dependent again. His Blast were 12 before transplant. he too had a very good run with Vidaza but when it no longer works there isn't much out there. Rick was not able to trial anything else as he had an acute GI bleed and then fungal pneumonia. Those were trying days and so glad they are behind us. Recovery is slow and takes time. In a few weeks we will celebrate his first Birthday.
My advice ask questions, know the risk vs benefit, talk to the transplant team and remember the final say is Dad's.
You are in a good place with a wonderful MDS team.
My best to your family.