BLOG 41
19 July 2014
MEDICAL UPDATE: My two Hematologists have now explained to me that the reason the feel I need a transplant ASAP was because of how my bone marrow looked under a microscope. They were able to figure this out because of the following:
My Myelodysplasia (MDS) is related to my past chemotherapy.
The MDS cells (what are called ‘blasts’) in my marrow are under 5%.
Three Chromosomes in my marrow had been deleted (Chromosomes 5, 7 and 17p).
The deletion of the three chromosomes in my marrow is key and indicates that my marrow was damaged due to past therapy. There is no other way of curing or fixing these deletions unless we transplant with new donor cells. Due to all of the above my hematologists are able to predict the probable course of the MDS disease, how long it would take to convert into AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) and what would happen if we don’t act now. We have now signed the form for an immediate donor search and also sent off a final ‘tissue matching’ sample to find stem cells that match mine – apparently I have a 90% chance of finding a match, but this could take up to 3 months.
In the meantime, I have asked for blood to help with my fatigue/weakness and will get some on Tuesday, 22nd July and hopefully regularly thereafter. My hematologists have also indicated that they feel I should start a specific chemotherapy injection ASAP, whilst we are looking for a donor – just in case the Myelodysplasia converts into Leukaemia, whilst we are waiting to source the correct stem cells.
To get this medication, my doctors have to apply for it – as it costs $6,000AUD per month. It will suppress the Leukaemia for the time being – it is called: AZACITIDINE or VIDAZA. I have the injection every day for 7 days and then have a break for 21 days, then start again. An interesting fact we have also learnt is when I get my new stem cells, I may get a new blood type (that of my donor). The blood type of my donor also may not be so important, as a match is all based on a 10/10 tissue typing test and not blood type. More details to come, as we learn more….
Thank you for reading,
Much Love,
Jodie & The Guerrero Family xx