question

[Ted Sheckler]

My 61yo father was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome 11 months ago. He underwent 7 months of chemo which did not work. He chose not to have a bone marrow transplant and to just get transfusions until the end. Two months ago his doctor told him he only has about a year left, maximum. He has been getting 2 transfusions weekly for platelets and red/white blood cells. At his lowest the platelets were at 3 but recently they’ve been holding steady around 10. I’m just not sure what to expect. He’s still very active in his daily life and in very little pain, if any. How long can a person survive on transfusions alone?

[chuck rau]

The main risk related to blood transfusions is iron overload. There is good information about iron overload on the internet. When you say 2 transfusions a week, do you mean 2 units of blood at one sitting, or two separate sittings? My doctor tells me she has transfused every other day to keep one alive. Unfortunately, a time comes when a transfusion no longer raises blood counts. When that happens you are looking at 2-4 months depending on your hemoglobin count when the transfusion fails.

[Ted Sheckler]

Thank you for replying. He will usually get 2 bags in one sitting twice a week. The bags will either be platelets or blood or one of each depending on his counts.

[chuck rau]

Was the chemo drug your father received Vidazza?

[Ted Sheckler]

No he was treated with Decitabine and Arsenic Trioxide

[Author]

Posts