OT-My brother is sick again... - Page 2

Ronda · 06-11-2007, 07:20 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

figaro · 07-07-2007, 02:34 AM

I just wanted to update you all. He is sick again but they are not sure what it is. They do know that he does not have Aplastic Anemia or leukemia, but they think it is treatable with medication. One of the meds they are not sure what side effects are but he doesn't really care, if it helps him live, he will deal with whatever side effects there are. I just want all this over with, it is driving me crazy being over here and knowing all the "junk" that is going on over there, unfortunatly he does not have the most supportive people surrounding him right now. But whatever he has it is treatable...

auburnchick · 07-07-2007, 03:07 AM

That is just wonderful news!

Perhaps he (or you) could do some research about the medication he is taking. Find out what symptoms it is supposed to be working on and see if there are any nutritional alternatives. Maybe somehow, at least, he could at least offset the side affects.

figaro · 07-13-2007, 02:32 AM

Great news!! (Mods-please move this to the OT forum)
We know what he has now, it is called MDS or Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Basically the bone marrow and stem cells are malfunctioning. Patients with this have low blood cell counts in at least one or more of the 3 blood lines (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). And there are 3 different medications that he should be able to take to help him out. There is more to this obviously but I will get me and everyone confused by it all.

He is going to go to the University of CA at San Francisco next week to do tests and all that junk.

But he is better and they can treat him!!!

ready2knit · 07-13-2007, 02:46 AM

Debbie,

So glad that the news in coming in favorable. In times like this all any of us can do is pray or think positive thoughts.

It's always best to know what you're fighting against- then you know which direction to go.

I'm thrilled to here he's going to U of CA. I'm a big believer in teaching hospitals and hospitals that have a reputation. We live in the midwest in a small city (one that everyone has heard of) Anyway, a Dr said something was wrong with our old DD and that she needed some synthetic hormone treatment. Long story short we went to the Mayo clinic since it's only 3hrs away. The Drs there said there was nothing wrong with our daughter and that they had never heard of the treatment the Dr here had recommended.

Sorry to go off on that tangent, I just feel very strongly about going to good to teaching hospitals and those that are on the cutting edge of science.

Jana