Awaiting Transplant - Aplastic Anemia, Red Cell Aplasia, MDS
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 14:08
Hi Everyone,
My name is Sam Goddard, and I am a 33 year old Male that has recently been diagnosed with early MDS. About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. I had ALG treatment and Cyclosporin thereafter. I was in remission for 10 years, however I ran into trouble 2 years ago and found that I was getting very tired, breathless, dizzy when walking and my skin went very pale. I went back to the hospital and they gave me blood transfusions, as my red cell count was down to 5. After a bone marrow biopsy I was diagnosed with Red Cell Aplasia. I was then put back on the Cyclosporin for 12 months which seemed to keep my blood count levels stable. After a while though my red cell count started falling again and my white cell count started dipping. I had another bone marrow biopsy and results showed that my illness has developed into MDS. I am no longer on Cyclosporin, but am having injections once a week to keep my counts stable.
I have been told that I need a Bone Marrow Transplant, some time in September 2014. They have found several potential donors, but are at the moment investigating further to find a best match. I am still waiting for further news. I have been given all the supporting material including "Blood & bone marrow transplantation, the seven steps" which has explained things very well. I haven't talked to anyone though who has been through a unrelated donor transplant.
I am pretty anxious about going through this as I have had two friends who have both passed away after bone marrow transplants. I know they had different illnesses to what I have so I understand we are different medical cases. I have a wife and two children, an 8 year old boy and 5 year old girl. I am trying to gear myself into preparing for this transplant and the fight ahead. If anyone has been through similar or has any advice to help with the days ahead I would really appreciate hearing from you. Any advice for getting through the treatment also appreciated.
Sam Goddard
Aplastic Anemia
Red Cell Aplasia
MDS
My name is Sam Goddard, and I am a 33 year old Male that has recently been diagnosed with early MDS. About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. I had ALG treatment and Cyclosporin thereafter. I was in remission for 10 years, however I ran into trouble 2 years ago and found that I was getting very tired, breathless, dizzy when walking and my skin went very pale. I went back to the hospital and they gave me blood transfusions, as my red cell count was down to 5. After a bone marrow biopsy I was diagnosed with Red Cell Aplasia. I was then put back on the Cyclosporin for 12 months which seemed to keep my blood count levels stable. After a while though my red cell count started falling again and my white cell count started dipping. I had another bone marrow biopsy and results showed that my illness has developed into MDS. I am no longer on Cyclosporin, but am having injections once a week to keep my counts stable.
I have been told that I need a Bone Marrow Transplant, some time in September 2014. They have found several potential donors, but are at the moment investigating further to find a best match. I am still waiting for further news. I have been given all the supporting material including "Blood & bone marrow transplantation, the seven steps" which has explained things very well. I haven't talked to anyone though who has been through a unrelated donor transplant.
I am pretty anxious about going through this as I have had two friends who have both passed away after bone marrow transplants. I know they had different illnesses to what I have so I understand we are different medical cases. I have a wife and two children, an 8 year old boy and 5 year old girl. I am trying to gear myself into preparing for this transplant and the fight ahead. If anyone has been through similar or has any advice to help with the days ahead I would really appreciate hearing from you. Any advice for getting through the treatment also appreciated.
Sam Goddard
Aplastic Anemia
Red Cell Aplasia
MDS