Should I continue MDS chemo treatment at 78? Quality of life concerns
Community Member
2 months agoI am a 78 year old male with relatively decent health for my entire life. A couple of months ago I noticed blood bruises on my arms and didn’t think much about it. I thought it was from bumping into things or from playing with our dogs. My primary physician ordered some blood tests and eventually sent my to see an oncologist. He ordered a bone marrow biopsy and that, along with all the blood tests, showed that I had developed MDS. Did not see that coming, especially as I learned about this disease. I have now had one round of chemo treatments consisting of 14 injections in my abdomen in 7 days. I am now on a 20 day break before starting round two. I have decided on the Mediport method as the injections are very painful after a few days. In looking ahead, I am wondering if I should even continue with this as I feel terrible most of the time. Given that there is no cure and the quality of my life is definitely declining, I am not sure how to proceed. I don’t want to be a burden to my family but feel increasingly unable to contribute much to the household. Not sure how to proceed. Let me know if anyone else with MDS can relate to what I am feeling. Thanks for reading this, Mike Beutel
Accepted Answer
These treatment decisions are deeply personal and deserve careful consideration with your healthcare team, who can help weigh the potential benefits against your current quality of life challenges. The MDS community here understands the difficult balance between fighting the disease and maintaining what matters most to you - many members have faced similar crossroads and found it helpful to openly discuss their concerns with both their medical team and loved ones about their goals and priorities moving forward.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
2 months agoThese treatment decisions are deeply personal and deserve careful consideration with your healthcare team, who can help weigh the potential benefits against your current quality of life challenges. The MDS community here understands the difficult balance between fighting the disease and maintaining what matters most to you - many members have faced similar crossroads and found it helpful to openly discuss their concerns with both their medical team and loved ones about their goals and priorities moving forward.
Community Member
a month agoHave they ruled out a stem cell transplant? I'm currently waiting on a donor but I'm 53 and was diagnosed in June. I've also had the shots to keep my MDS in check while I wait so I understand that feeling. I am wishing you find the answers you need and what is best for you and your family.
Community Member
a month agoNot eligible for the stem cell transplant due to my age and I’ve overall condition. My doctor says it is unlikely I would survive that procedure. So, I just had the Medi-Port implanted and start round two of injections on Monday. Hope you find a donor soon and it works for you. God bless you and that He gives you many more years either way.
Community Member
19 days agoI have had 6 blood transfusions in 6 months. I chose not to do the shots because of the side effects. I go every month to see what the numbers are. I’m not sure if I will have any more transfusions. I have several other co- morbidities. I’m done!
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