TK531

Close Myelodysplasia

I am overall very healthy, with the exception of my blood counts (macrocytic anemia and thrombocytosis - no iron or b-12 deficiency). I have had two bone marrow biopsies and my karyotype is normal, but my marrow is hypercellular (90-95%), my M:E ratio is 1.5:1, blast count is 2%, and mild megakaryocytic hyperplasia. As a result, my doc has said that I have low-grade MDS. It is apparently the only diagnosis that can explain my symptoms.

Treatments

Blood Transfusion Working / Worked

The first transfusion was given because my hemoglobin had dropped to 7.3 The transfusion did help and made me feel much better. The benedryl didn't sit so well... I got an excessive iching while getting the transfusion. The transfusion kept my counts up for about a month. I have gotten a second transfusion because my hemoglobin dropped to 7.0. The second transfusion went well and I will see how long it lasts.

Epogen Not Working

I have been getting Procrit injections since Feb '09 and initially it seemed as though the shots were working. They have not been working since late April. My dosage was increased five weeks ago and unfortunately has not shown an increase in counts. I have actually had two transfusions while trying to give the Procrit time to work. The Procrit shots seem to make me feel extremely tired and not feel well. The nights of the shot I often feel very bad.