Recent DX of MDS with 5q deletion

[Pat Hass]

Hi, I’m recently diagnosed with MDS with 5q deletion and considered low risk for progression at this time. My last hemaglobin a month ago was 11.2, up from 10.6. My hemaglobin has been bouncing like that for the last year. My hematologist has recommended Revlimid as the treatment. I’ve held off because I feel pretty well, a little fatigue and SOB at times but not restricting. I am getting CBC’s monthly and will meet with the hematologist again in January. I’m 73, live alone on a small farm and I’m concerned about the side effects of Revlimid on my independence. Maintaining the ability to safely take care of myself for as long as possible is important to me. Do others find the drug debilitating or mild and can side effects be moderated? Thanks for any experiences, Pat

[Bob]

The best advice is always to go to an MDS Center of Excellence even if the nearest one is at some distance. The difference between a competent hematologist and a hematologist at a Center of Excellence can be quite stunning.

[David Williams]

Pat, I’d stay off the Revlimid until my hemoglobin dropped below 7 and stayed there. Hemoglobin can bounce around based on an allergic type of anemia called hemolytic anemia. Said differently, having an allergic reaction to a food or a drug can drop your hemoglobin quite a bit a few days before your blood draw and then your hemo bounces back after the allergy has subsided.

[Author]

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