Hi, arieschris.
You've already gotten a lot of input and good questions asking about the basis for your MDS diagnosis. Typically, MDS patients have low counts across all three cell lines (red, white, and platelets), but the defining characteristic is the presence of chromosome abnormalities in the bone marrow. This is the information you should be looking for on your biopsy report.
I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 1996 at age 41. I had low counts but my chromosomes were ok. A followup biopsy after one round of ATG and cyclosporine came back showing Trisomy 15 -- a very uncommon abnormality -- that changed my diagnosis to MDS. I'm now nearly 13 years post-transplant and living a full, healthy life. I was treated at City of Hope and have the highest regard for the expertise of their doctors.
There are many people who live with MDS for years. For example, Marrowforums member,
Kirby Stone, is currently living with MDS. He works hard to maintain his health and keep up on the latest available treatments. I'm sure you will hear from others.
Regards,
Ruth