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I am also in agreement that now (while *not* in crisis mode) is the time to consult with a transplant doctor.
Shauna's case is unique because she is young at 22, but not so young that a BMT is the obvious first line of treatment. Everyone knows that IST is not a cure, but is does buy time. Time for more research to be developed that may find the ideal BMT regimen or maybe even the miracle drug-cure. Advancements are coming at such a rapid pace right now.
The tradeoff though is that while you are buying time with IST, Shauna is also getting older. So, the risks of a BMT increase. She also may want to have a baby at some point, which again increases the risk of relapse.
But why the urgency to do it right now? Why not ride the IST tide for a few years and enjoy life as much as you can... It is a tough call, which is why the consultation is so important.
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58 yo female, dx 9/08, AA/hypo-MDS, subclinical PNH, ATG/CsA 12/08, partial response. small trisomy 6 clone, low-dose cyclosporine dependent
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