Myelodysplastic Syndrome

[vrsmith]

My father has been diagnosed with this blood disorder and is
showing classic symptoms. It is like leukemia in that the marrow
produces abnormal blood cells.
In the case of my father, his condition may have been brought on
by a kidney virus that he contracted and which has been very
difficult to treat. He has been dealing with the virus for some
years and his overall condition has been OK, but over the past
few years, his blood numbers began to become alarming. At
times his platelet, white and red cell counts have been very low.
As well, my father fits the patient profile in that he is 69 years
old and may not be a viable candidate for the main treatment,
a bone marrow transplant.
There is a drug called Revlimid that I am going to discuss with him.
It has a good web page, if nothing else.
To be honest, I had thought that my father was doing well
lately, but he had a new test this week. His blood numbers are
again poor. He said that he is now quite tired and has been
advised to take it easy and avoid threatening situations like ill
people and risky behavior. I've felt a bit unwell lately, so I have
to stay away from him.
If you know anyone with this condition or if you know about it,
please add your comments. It may become a burden from here
on.