I have only been dealing with my “possible” MDS diagnosis for 10 months. After 5 blood panels which my hemoglobin showed 1 9.00 3 have showed in the 10s and one at 11.00. My RBC has been below 3.00 in every test. MY hematocrit has been below 30.0 in every test. my MCV has been above 105 with my MCH has been above 35. in every test. My bone marrow test showed atypical anemia but there was not enough to render the test fully viable. I had chemo and radiation 12 years ago for breast cancer and was exposed to VERY HEAVY second hand smoke for 20 years all contributors to MDS.
My “good-well known” local oncologist diagnosed me with MDS 5 months ago and recommended I start Aranesp. In September I was able to get a second opinion from a well known “expert” in the MDS field. He said I did have atypical anemia but said I should wait for another 3-6 months and have another BM biopsy before starting any treatment. I can not find any info on if it makes any difference if treatment is delayed. I know it is not curable without a transplant but it is treatable…. It has left me feeling uneasy.. Thanks for any input or “opinions” Thank you!