Your treatment choices are your own, and I support any decision you make.
That being said, they wanted to “rush” me into a stem cell transplant at diagnosis too. I’m 53 and other than the low risk MDS I’m in great health. I was diagnosed 2 years ago, and am transfusion dependent, I’m still healthy other than the MDS. I’ve tried Revlimid, it didn’t work. Am currently trying Vidaza, and it’s too early to tell. If it fails, then I’ll continue transfusions until iron overload becomes an issue, with chelation drugs it looks like 2 – 4 years before that will happen.
Bone marrow biopsy results and iron levels are my decision points. If they or my over all health start to become an issue then I’ll open the stem cell door. My research shows if I would have immediately went to stem cell the survival rate was 60% (bit better than a coin flip), waiting until iron is up and/or disease progression shows on my biopsy drops survival rate to 53% (still a bit better than a coin flip). 7% reduction in odds vs 4 – 6 years of “normal” life (I’m still working full time, vacationing, etc. Just with more naps) moved my decision to wait.
Again, I know nothing about your version of MDS or how much research you have done. I do wish you the best with your struggle and hope to hear back from you that you are 100% cured.