Hi Warren,
This is my first posting on the MDS web-site. My mom(74) was dx w/ RAEB-T in 8/05. She progressed to AML in 11/05. She was admitted to NY-Presbyterian(a center of excellence) for Arsenic(Trisenox) and ARA-C. After 2 weeks of treatment her blasts went from 40% to less than 10%. She received 2 add’l weeks of treatment, and is in remission. I have a been a nurse for 20 years and a Nursing Faculty for over 10 years. However, it is very different and difficult when the patient is your Mom. I have followed the web-site since August, but your question prompted my posting and response. Cyclosporin is an immune-suppressant. It is used in many different situations. It is commonly used in organ transplantation so that the new organ is not rejected. It also may be used in auto-immune diseases. In a BMT, the goal is to rid the body of the diseased bone marrow, and also to prevent rejection. Your side effect is not uncommon, although very difficult for many patients to tolerate. The neutrapenia that you are experiencing is a side effect of the chemo. It means that the chemo is destroying your white cells, specifically neutraphils. You are a risk for infection now, so be very careful–make certain that everyone who enters your room washes their hands (or uses anti-bacterial gel). Avoid any visitors who may be sick. Finally, don’t eat any foods that are not cooked thoroughly. Good luck!!
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