My dad recently dignosed with MDS

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• July 20, 2007 at 4:24 am #18785
  creativeoffice4u

  Member

  Hello
  I am so happy that I found this site…
  I hope that it can help me clear up some information for me and for my father.

  My father is 79 years old and has ALWAYS been perfect health. Still golfs, remodling the house, cuts the grass ALL the time, you name it. ON the go… He lost his wife, my mom back in 10/2004 due to heart problems, with diabetes… so I am not ready for him to go ANYWHERE.

  well he had to have a pace maker placed in March of this year, (he has had a few stints too) well while he was in their his blood count was low, long story short he has MDS…

  Now he was just as of yesterday told that, and was given 2 different procedures.

  any suggestions of the following procedures,
  and ANY other information, words of wisdom you name it for me and/or for him.

  TREATMENT INFUSION INTO A VEIN–OF–DECITABINE A CHEMOTHERAPY AGENT

  OR

  AZACITIDINE ALSO A CHEMOTHERAPY AGENT BY INJECTION UNDER THE SKIN OR INFUSION IN A VEIN

  THank you in advance

  July 20, 2007 at 5:57 pm #18786
  kls

  Member

  Hi,
  Does the Dr. give your Dad an idea of which one to choose? It is very hard for the patients to know which to choose. My Dad’s Dr. told us three options and we had time to research them. Then he ended up telling us which one he thought we should do, and we went with his advice.
  Do they know what kind of MDS he has? That usually helps them choose the course of treatment.
  I know how you feel about a healthy Dad that is suddenly given this diagnosis. My Dad was the same way. There are so many things they can do now so keep your spirits up!
  Good luck! Kristi

  July 20, 2007 at 8:14 pm #18787
  Harold

  Member

  The azacitidine (Vidaza) injections under the skin generally cause a significant local reaction (bruising, pain, blisters, etc.). On the other hand, intravenous infusions would ideally be given through a “permanent” catheter placed in a vein. These can also become problematic (infections) and they require regular care (dressing changes). For some patients starting a IV for every cycle of medication might be difficult, and over time, these chemotherapy treatments can cause it to be even more difficult finding a good vein in which to start an IV. At the time of my treatment the only option was azacitidine subcutaneous injections and I took these for many months. Since this time, I have had a permanent intravenous line “installed.” These lines can also be used to draw blood, administer blood and other drugs, and as a result you no longer require routine sticks. I suppose the intravenouses infusions worked out best for me but it’s a close call.

  July 21, 2007 at 9:51 pm #18788
  jaxem

  Member

  creative
  you need to state what type mds he has. the hypomethlating drigs which you state (azacitdine & decitabine) are being used with much success especially in older patients. HDAC agents are being mixed with these drugs for other patients who have not responded to each. i have a thread for “doing dacogen at home” which worked well for my wife. after an initial round in a hospital, subsequent rounds can be done at home with a visiting nurse and a local pharmacy who can mix the & deliver the drug. it’s much cheaper, safe & the patient is home eating edible food.

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