Recent Myelodysplastic Syndrome Discussions
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The Role of a Cancer Supporter
As friends and associates disclose their cancer diagnosis, its often difficult to know what to do or say. It was interesting to see how Hollywood figures behaved in a public moment when Michael Douglas was on David Letterman’s show. Douglas, who was recently diagnosed with stage four throat cancer, seemed optimistic, yet aware of the challenging impact his treatment will impose. He explained to David and the audience that he anticipates an 80 percent chance of recovery and is thankful the cancer hasn’t spread. At the end of the interview, with the candor Letterman is known for he said, “I feel like I wanna do something for ya. Can I do something for ya?” To which Douglas replied , “You can give me a hug.”
With all the “reality shows” broadcast on TV, this seemed to be a genuine slice of reality displayed for public viewing. Sure these two men have learned how to behave for the cameras, but Douglas still has cancer and Letterman openly asked how to help. This scenario could take place between any two people anywhere, with the same honesty in not knowing how to provide support.
Sometimes people who are newly cast in the role of a support person feel they need to have the answers, and that just isn’t so. What have you experienced as a support person that others new to the role can learn from? Are there tips you picked up along the way? Please share your thoughts with the group!
More discussions
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Myelodysplastic Syndrome Support Group
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Memorial Medical Oncology
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The Cancer Institute of Dallas
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I'm Becky and I'm the Community Manager for Navigating Cancer
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Welcome to Navigating Cancer — we are dedicated to helping cancer patients and the people around them navigate the journey to achieve the best care and support possible.
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Nurse Navigators Help Cancer Patients
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I'm Barbara Burd, and I support someone with cancer
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Book recommendation
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Tips & Suggestions
Before starting chemotherapy
Have your teeth cleaned and take care of any cavities before you start chemotherapy. Ask your dentist how to care for your teeth while undergoing treatment.
What is myelodysplatic syndromes?
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Normally, the bone marrow makes blood stem cells (immature cells) that develop into mature blood cells over time. A blood stem cell may become a myeloid stem cell or a lymphoid stem cell. The lymphoid stem cell develops into a white blood cell. The myeloid stem cell develops into one of three types of mature blood cells:
- Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body.
- White blood cells that fight infection and disease.
- Platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.
In myelodysplastic syndromes, the blood stem cells do not mature into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. The immature blood cells, called blasts, do not function normally and either die in the bone marrow or soon after they enter the blood. This leaves less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to develop in the bone marrow. When there are fewer blood cells, infection, anemia, or easy bleeding may occur.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome Chemotherapy and Biologic Drugs
- Dacogen (decitabine)
- Revlimid (lenalidomide)
- Vidaza (azacitidine)
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