MDS & Pregnant Update
Posted: 14 Mar 2015 21:46
Hi Everyone
First may I convey my sincere gratitude to all those who have shown interest in my condition, especially those who contacted Sophie or replied.
After considering all the information my consultant has been able to find besides researching as much as I can myself, I have come to the decision to go ahead with my pregnancy providing my condition doesn't deteriorate. I have no illusion that if my condition does deteriorate and pose a serious risk to my own life then my consultant will have no option but to terminate my pregnancy at whatever stage so she can treat me. I have also taken into consideration the distress I was experiencing trying to come to terms with a termination and my mental well being, and believe that for me personally I have come to the right decision. If nature or my condition decides that the baby isn't meant to be I can put my hand on my heart and accept that it is for the best, however I feel that if I did terminate it would send me into a serious downward spiral and find it difficult to cope with the treatment. Since making my decision I have become more settled and relaxed with a positive attitude again with the understanding that I am in for a very big fight and must look after myself.
Obviously I have consulted my family and my partner as well as my consultant who are all supportive and understand why I've made this decision, to the point my partner won't let me go to work (luckily we run our own coach company) in case of any of the drivers bringing in an infection unwittingly. So here goes living in a protective bubble till baby is born and I'm treated, I don't blame him I know it's him doing his part and showing his feelings.....I will escape on shopping trips I'm sure
I managed to find a clinic with expertise in MDS and pregnancy in America and my consultant is contacting them this week to see what their advice and guidance may be. And I have my first scan this week which is going to be very surreal, I'm glad I made the decision before this point or it will have been even more difficult to make a decision, my consultant is waiting on the results to find out exactly how far gone I am as I think I could be a week out on my dates, I'm either 13 or 14 weeks this week, and she wants to start planning treatments and so on.
So far my cells are holding steady which my consultant is happy about even though my blood count has dropped to 7.9 which considering five weeks ago it was 5.1 she is satisfied with. She has booked me in for a transfusion on Monday and for the time being will support me with weekly blood tests, transfusions when needed and if my white cells show a change another bone marrow sample to keep a careful watch on what's happening, the consultant is now also checking what treatment options are available without harming the baby or causing me further distress.
I will try and give you all updates on a fortnightly basis so I don't bore you, here's looking forward to a positive bright future and the Guinness my partner makes me drink every night as he believes it will help with my anemia.
Thank you all again.
x
First may I convey my sincere gratitude to all those who have shown interest in my condition, especially those who contacted Sophie or replied.
After considering all the information my consultant has been able to find besides researching as much as I can myself, I have come to the decision to go ahead with my pregnancy providing my condition doesn't deteriorate. I have no illusion that if my condition does deteriorate and pose a serious risk to my own life then my consultant will have no option but to terminate my pregnancy at whatever stage so she can treat me. I have also taken into consideration the distress I was experiencing trying to come to terms with a termination and my mental well being, and believe that for me personally I have come to the right decision. If nature or my condition decides that the baby isn't meant to be I can put my hand on my heart and accept that it is for the best, however I feel that if I did terminate it would send me into a serious downward spiral and find it difficult to cope with the treatment. Since making my decision I have become more settled and relaxed with a positive attitude again with the understanding that I am in for a very big fight and must look after myself.
Obviously I have consulted my family and my partner as well as my consultant who are all supportive and understand why I've made this decision, to the point my partner won't let me go to work (luckily we run our own coach company) in case of any of the drivers bringing in an infection unwittingly. So here goes living in a protective bubble till baby is born and I'm treated, I don't blame him I know it's him doing his part and showing his feelings.....I will escape on shopping trips I'm sure
I managed to find a clinic with expertise in MDS and pregnancy in America and my consultant is contacting them this week to see what their advice and guidance may be. And I have my first scan this week which is going to be very surreal, I'm glad I made the decision before this point or it will have been even more difficult to make a decision, my consultant is waiting on the results to find out exactly how far gone I am as I think I could be a week out on my dates, I'm either 13 or 14 weeks this week, and she wants to start planning treatments and so on.
So far my cells are holding steady which my consultant is happy about even though my blood count has dropped to 7.9 which considering five weeks ago it was 5.1 she is satisfied with. She has booked me in for a transfusion on Monday and for the time being will support me with weekly blood tests, transfusions when needed and if my white cells show a change another bone marrow sample to keep a careful watch on what's happening, the consultant is now also checking what treatment options are available without harming the baby or causing me further distress.
I will try and give you all updates on a fortnightly basis so I don't bore you, here's looking forward to a positive bright future and the Guinness my partner makes me drink every night as he believes it will help with my anemia.
Thank you all again.
x