Low Risk on Vidaza Planning Long Vacation

[Bill Corbin]

I am a low risk MDS patient with three genetic mutations, TET2, SRSF2, and SMC 3. Initially all three blood cell lines were low. Have been on Vidaza treatment cycles of 28 days; 7 days of injections on the first 7 business days of each cycle. Began treatment December 6, 2021. Vidaza treatments have resulted in all three blood cell linages to be either low end of normal or RBC’s just below normal. Only ill effects for me so far are lack of energy/tiredness that does not keep me from playing 18 holes of golf two times per week.

Just had appointment with my Oncologist yesterday, but failed to ask about extended vacation that would miss one cycle. Has anyone skipped a complete cycle of Vidaza with no ill effects? We would like to take a 32 day cruise in Sept-Oct 2024 starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I will ask my oncologist team for their input when I next see them January 8, 2024, but just wondered if anyone had been gone from treatment for such an extended period of time.

[Kathie Wolf]

My husband went thru a round of chemo for one year with Vidaza. It was given one week each month. He also has low risk MDS with one mutation, AXL. All his three blood lineages were low at the start. By the end of the year, they were all normal and have stayed that way for four years with no further treatment. During his chemo treatment, we did discuss with his oncologist the option of delaying a month for a vacation and she said it would be fine. Good luck and enjoy Greece!

[Ashley Moncrief]

Hi Bill,

Thanks so much for writing in! The decision to delay treatment will depend on how you are responding to therapy. It’s a risk versus benefit conversation to be had with your doctor. If it’s a 32-day trip, you might be able to delay a cycle rather than skip it entirely. I will say that treatment is meant to give you increased quantity of life, but quality is very important. You have to continue to do what you love!

Ashley

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