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Siblings Tested
Hi Perry,
I was unfortunate to only have one sibling, given my current situation! He was tested, along with my two adult daughters within the first month of being diagnosed. None were a match. I currently am at a wait and watch point, but the search has begun for a MUD incase it is necessary. I would think having your siblings tested now would greatly reduce the wait time if a BMT ever became necessary. You are certainly young enough for a transplant, so if was determined that your siblings were not a match you could be put on the registry which takes up to 6 months to search and screen for a donor, so I have been told.
There is promising news with the research being made public yesterday of a person's own T-cells, being used to target cancer cells in a Leukemia patient. Perhaps this treatment may become an option for us with AA or MDS. In the meantime, I would think having various options ready would be the best and most comforting choice.
All the best,
Janice
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Female, age 52 - Diagnosed May, 2011 Hypoplastic MDS. Cytogenetics showing 2 abnormalities on chromosome 15. Blasts<5%, IPSS of 1. All blood counts low, but no treatment; watch and wait. Registered for MUD; on Feb. 23/12 two donor matches found but returned since not needed yet!
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