First of all - I am so glad I found these forums! Thanks to the Cuadras for starting them and for everyone who posts info and encouragement here!
I just received my dx on 3/27/15 at age 57. Here is a brief chronology:
Jan 2014 - get full blood panel done - just wanting to check blood sugar and cholesterol because I just turned 56 and it had been awhile. WBC comes back at 2.3, RBC slightly lower than range, Platelets normal. GP says will test again in Feb. - Feeling fine- asymptomatic.
Feb 2014 - retest comes back with almost identical results. GP says retest in 3 months or so since I am healthy adult otherwise. Same results in May 2014.
7/30/14 - after having mild odd pains in abdomen, sent for CT scan - admitted to hospital for burst appendix that has abscessed. Develop bladder infection in hosp. Finally released after a week. Sent for hematologist referral because of low WBC.
9/14 - Hematologist visit - sets up BMB 2 weeks later - BMB is dry tap, but bone marrow results comes back normal. Dr. schedules blood test in 3 mo.
12/14 - CBC done - results about the same as before. I am still in good health. Dr. schedules next blood test in March.
3/15 - CBC done - 1.7% blasts in blood test, BMB done 2 days later - finally have MDS diagnosis - RAEB Int 2, blasts at 14% in marrow. WBC 1.9, RBC 4.15, HGB 11.8, PL 217.
4/15 - Met with BMT Specialist in L.A., approved for BMT and donor search started. First round of Vidaza started this week. 7 days on, 3 weeks off until donor found.
Still feeling good, drs. are optimistic because I am in relatively good health otherwise except for a swollen lymph node that I would happen to get the day I start chemo after not being ill for months which is going away. Chemo still started because I have no fever.
Still working full time until BMT prep starts.
My main question is, is there anyone else who had neutropenia/leukopenia with the other blood counts being in the normal range or just under normal range before MDS diagnosis?
Thanks,
Tracey