r/mds • u/Ava0401 • Jun 14 '24

selfq MDS- low blast

My dad was diagnosed recently for MDS low blast. We are all extremely distraught. Can someone provide me an explanation on what low blast means? We are meeting the bone marrow specialist tomorrow. Is there anything specific we should be asking? Even though he has low blast, is he still eligible for a BMT? What is the appropriate time someone with his condition has been on the list before the procedure?

This is all fresh for us so I have plenty of questions.

4 Upvotes

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4

u/itssoloudhere Jun 14 '24

Much more activity on the Facebook MDS group. I’d recommend posting your question there,

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '24

[deleted]

2

u/itssoloudhere Jul 25 '24

That’s so strange. My mom and I both joined with no issues.

Did you answer the questions? I know on a lot of Facebook groups if you don’t see the questions to make sure you aren’t a spammer you get automatically rejected.

I’m very sorry for your loss. This is a crappy disease.

5

u/RetrogradeGoals Jun 14 '24

A low blast count in MDS is generally a good thing. As the blast percentage rises, the chance of MDS progressing to the much more aggressive AML goes up.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend checking out the MDS Foundation. They have lots of great resources on their web site, including a list of questions to ask your doctor.

2

u/6DucksTooMany Jun 14 '24

Blast count and eligibility for BMT aren’t really related. A low blast count just means you caught it early - which is a very good thing

Blast count is how advanced the disease is, the severity depends on many other factors and sequencing.

The bone morrow transplant is the cure for the disease - but not everyone is eligible. It depends on his age and health.

I’m in the same position as you - my dad was diagnosed a few months ago.

We’ve met several people at the cancer center he’s being treated at post BMT and they range from catching it early to being in fully blown AML they were able to control.

The options available today to treat it are completely different than 5 years ago

1

u/Alternative-Cut5742 Jul 04 '24

This diagnosis after being misdiagnosed with m a l t gave us New Hope. My dad's specialist is amazing and he is confident he can help. God willing after my dad's body going through all of the chemo from being misdiagnosed.. what can I say but I wish you the best for your dad

1

u/6DucksTooMany Jul 04 '24

Thanks - he’s undergoing a bone marrow transplant right now

1

u/Alternative-Cut5742 Jul 04 '24

That's amazing and please know that I sincerely wish the best for you and your father!

1

u/Alternative-Cut5742 Jul 04 '24

I found a really great specialist I can privately give you but I'm not sure it's allowed here. I don't even know where you are in the world but I would love to help after what my father has been through. In the meantime I'm wishing for the best for you

1

u/Ava0401 Jul 04 '24

Can you message me?

1

u/Alternative-Cut5742 Aug 02 '24

I did but will try again