After experiencing the same course your mother has had so far, seeing the MDS specialist is next best step. In my case, a bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic studies to help give you a complete diagnosis and then conversations with the specialist to discuss treatment options available. My doctor did not begin the Dacogen treatments until results from the bone marrow biopsy were complete. The diagnosis can be very complicated and others on this site, "marrowforums", can give you a further understanding and experiences in dealing with these diseases.
IF the MDS specialist, in fact, does prescribe Dacogen, I can tell you my experience with these treatments has been very successful. After 3 months of the treatments and continuation of the drug once a month since, I have continued to be healthy for over 2 years now, and have had very slight side effects!
All is really dependent on the "complete diagnosis" to help choose the right course of action.
Best of luck to your Mom!
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66 yr female;diag 6/09; MDS, unspecified, normal cytogenetics: blasts 10%; successful Dacogen;every 4th wk.; as of Aug.'12 changing to every 5th wk., stable at Hgb 12-14/platelets 200-300/wbc 2.-3.
Last edited by kgtuck : Sun Sep 18, 2011 at 11:06 AM.
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