[Harry S]

My dad, who is in his 70's, has myelodysplasia. He's only been diagnosed since October 2013. Due to his age and being the youngest sibling,he's not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant or stem cell therapy.

-- On 11/5, his platelet count was 37,000; On 12/3, it was 26,000, and last week, 12/13, his platelet count was 14,000. His white blood count is OK.

-- He is currently taking Vidaza (not working for him) and is being considered for a switch to Dacogen by his doctor.

-- He is based in South Texas and was planning to go to MD Anderson in Houston for longer-term treatment, but it turns out it will take a longer time than expected to see a doctor there.

-- His current doctor has proposed not switching him to Dacogen yet as it might make it harder for him to be treated with something different at MD Anderson.

-- However, his platelets are dropping so fast, we're worried about waiting and think perhaps he should go ahead and try Dacogen.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!