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Post by Debs on May 22, 2010 22:27:57 GMT -5
Some of you may remember that back at Christmas time my aunt was in the hospital for an extended period of time due to some infection/white blood count issues that they could not seem to control.
She is finally well enough that they did a bone marrow biopsy a few weeks ago. She does not have leukemia, but she does have a condition that is requiring her to have regular blood transfusions, and as I understand it, could lead to leukemia if it is not kept under control. She is also being treated with a low dose of chemo.
As most of you know, if there is a medical problem in my family, I like to research the latest info. Unfortunately, neither my mother or my aunt is the type to take good notes at the doctor's office, so I am not sure what the condition is.
Are any of you familiar with oncology? Do you know what this is called. It is very likely that she will need a bone marrow transplant within the next year.
Thanks for any insights you might have for me!
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Post by rnandmom on May 22, 2010 22:44:12 GMT -5
I'm not well versed in oncology but a quick google came up with en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myelodysplastic_syndrome - I don't know if that's what she has, but it sounds like it could be. I wish I could be of more help. I hope that the treatment will bring her a cure. |
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Post by Debs on May 22, 2010 23:08:13 GMT -5
Rachele,
Thank you. She mentioned something about "excess blasts", which is a pretty good indication that you have found what I am looking for. Unfortunately, that term would also indicate that she is far enough along that prognosis is not very good. I don't think either she or my mom are aware of that, but it is no wonder that they are discussing bone marrow transplants.
Thanks again for the help. I now know what to research in depth. I should have googled it myself, but talking to my mom about it was so fuzzy...she considered it a type of anemia. When they would do counts in the hospital my mom would say "her count was up (or down)", but she would have no idea if we were talking white cell count, red cell count, etc.
Any prayers would be appreciated.
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Post by rnandmom on May 23, 2010 15:16:59 GMT -5
I'll definitely be thinking of your aunt. I didn't take the time to read in depth about the disease - just enough to see that it sounded close enough to be a possible diagnosis. I hope that her prognosis is better than what reading so far has led you to believe. ((hugs))
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Post by nicegrumpy on May 24, 2010 23:50:22 GMT -5
Debs, it could be also this, similiar I think in the treatment. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Generally in elderly people, slow growing cancer, usually with amenia, infections and the need for blood transfusions.
Sending prayers for you Aunt
Angela
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Post by Debs on May 25, 2010 10:41:31 GMT -5
I have been able to verify at this point. It is MPS, and the prognosis is worse than she realizes. Median life span at her stage is about 1.5 years. They do have her on the list for a bone marrow transplant, but if you take into account her other health issues and her age, the chance of success is only about 21%. I am trying to remind myself that 21% is something. The grim part is that the reason more cases don't progress to leukemia is because the succumb to infection first.
This isn't information that either my aunt or my mom is ready to hear. We will continue to be very positive, and to help her daughters understand how critical it is not to expose her to anything that could lead to infection at this point. Her body just can't produce the cells to fight it. Obviously we could use as many prayers as we can get.
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Post by rnandmom on May 25, 2010 11:30:38 GMT -5
((Hugs)) Debs, I'm so sorry to hear the prognosis is so grim. I wish it had been better news. I'll definitely keep her in my thoughts.
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Post by nicegrumpy on May 25, 2010 18:17:03 GMT -5
(((HUGS)) debs. Sorry that your aunt has this and it is yet another sadness in your life.
Angela
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Post by PTK&C's mommy on May 27, 2010 14:05:47 GMT -5
I'm so sorry that your aunt has such a scary prognosis. Remember, 21 percent is actually not that bad... at 30 years old there is only a 20% chance that i'll get pg during a cycle, and here I am, 4 weeks pg... Praying that there she isn't exposed to any infections and that she is part of the 21% who have a successful recovery.
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Post by Miss Sunflower on May 28, 2010 0:50:31 GMT -5
Debs, I am so sorry to read this. I pray and hope that your aunt gets better. Miracles happen.
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