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My mother was recently diagnosed as having Myelodysplasic syndrome.
Myelodysplastic syndromes - MayoClinic.com
We have both gone through the process of learning about the disease, it's symptoms and progression as well as it's treatments and the risks associated with. We were mentally prepared for a lengthy ordeal, finding a bone marrow donor match, chemotherapy, recovery period and possible graft/host disease. What we were not braced for was what the haematologist told us.
"No."
At her age my mother would not even be considered for a bone marrow transplant. Period.
Ouch.
It was explained to us that at her present stage, even if she were 23, she would not at this point be a candidate. Okay, she's not ill enough, kinda good news, I guess. Understood.
It was explained that the amount of chemo for a transplant was considerably more than that used in cancer patients because it has to kill off your existing bone marrow completely. Understood. And that her chances of survival, particularly at her age, were very poor. Understood.
I even understand the portion of the doctor's creed, "First, do no harm".
What I think we are both having difficulty understanding is that if a patient, regardless of age, understands the risks involved and chooses to take that chance, how is it that the medical communtity can simply say no. When she does reach the point that the only way to keep her alive is with a transplant how is it that they are allowed to determine that she dies by the disease rather than possibly dying in an attempt to prolong her life?
Better unplug all those hyperbaric chambers with anyone over 65 in them, it's a waste of electricity. We may discover a way to live forever but it'll only be available to those young enough. [/rant]
Myelodysplastic syndromes - MayoClinic.com
We have both gone through the process of learning about the disease, it's symptoms and progression as well as it's treatments and the risks associated with. We were mentally prepared for a lengthy ordeal, finding a bone marrow donor match, chemotherapy, recovery period and possible graft/host disease. What we were not braced for was what the haematologist told us.
"No."
At her age my mother would not even be considered for a bone marrow transplant. Period.
Ouch.
It was explained to us that at her present stage, even if she were 23, she would not at this point be a candidate. Okay, she's not ill enough, kinda good news, I guess. Understood.
It was explained that the amount of chemo for a transplant was considerably more than that used in cancer patients because it has to kill off your existing bone marrow completely. Understood. And that her chances of survival, particularly at her age, were very poor. Understood.
I even understand the portion of the doctor's creed, "First, do no harm".
What I think we are both having difficulty understanding is that if a patient, regardless of age, understands the risks involved and chooses to take that chance, how is it that the medical communtity can simply say no. When she does reach the point that the only way to keep her alive is with a transplant how is it that they are allowed to determine that she dies by the disease rather than possibly dying in an attempt to prolong her life?
Better unplug all those hyperbaric chambers with anyone over 65 in them, it's a waste of electricity. We may discover a way to live forever but it'll only be available to those young enough. [/rant]