Does this look like someone with leukemia? Initially, nobody considered that possibility. Now the test results back that up. The bone marrow extracted last week came back negative for leukemia, but positive for MDS. Actually, it's not a black and white measurement. MDS is referred to as pre-leukemia in some sites. Apparently the density of defective red blood cells determines whether it is MDS or leukemia. It's more of a sliding scale than an either-or. Wikipedia seems to be more forthcoming with layman's info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myelodysplastic_syndromeSo it's not real clear what this means for a prognosis. We have an appointment with the oncologist Wednesday afternoon. Heidi discussed it with him a little on the phone today. We think treatment is something like this, though I likely have some details wrong.
She will not go through chemotherapy, at least not here in Tucson. There will be transfusions and medication, which I interpreted to be something like steroids. The web site linked above says there is no cure for MDS, so perhaps this is a maintenance therapy?
There was also discussion about bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. (But why go through it if it's not a cure?) So, yes, Toby and Robin are still her best friends. The oncologist here sincerely recommended not having that done here in Tucson. That would probably occur in Seattle at Fred Hutchinson. We're missing a lot of details here about when treatment will occur, how long it takes, what lifestyle changes will be required, etc.
Tomorrow more details. For now, good news!
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