environmental hazards & MDS/cancer/bone marrow failure need info - Blood and Blood Vessel Message Board

super girl · 06-10-2004, 06:58 PM

OK guys I really need your help. I just can't let this thing go. I have a cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome which put quite simply means my bone marrow is failing to produce normal cells. I want to know what caused my bone marrow to fail. While doing some research I came across the concept that Bone marrow failure occurs 2 ways either its inherated or aquired. I'm pretty sure mine is not inherited because it usually is discovered at birth and comes alone with some sort of birth defect or abnormal deformity. I'm 29 and was just diagnosed 4 weeks ago, although I've had abnormally low white count for about 12 years. So mine is probably aquired. Here's the scenario. When I was a little girl we spent a lot of time at this lake in upstate NY. I always heard rumors that there had been a dump on the lake in th early to mid 1900's and people had come along and developed the land. I'm not sure what happen to the waste that was there or if the story is even true. I used to swim in the water and drink the water from a well on our property which was directly on the lake. I want to research more. Where do I start? Like I said I just can't let this thing go. Maybe I'm off for wanting to know but I feel like I need to know. I do realize I may never find out what caused this but for now I can't stop. I'm drivin to find out more. Can anyone help me?

sapphire12112 · 06-22-2004, 04:24 AM

Super Girl: This is my 3rd try to post a reply to you... I would try contacting the local health department or the department there that issues building permits in the county where the lake is. I would not mention my health issues. I would just tell them that I had spent a lot of time at the lake when I was a child and was curious about how long the lake had been there and what was there before the lake - whether just pasture land or what. After I had talked to them for a while, I might mention that I had heard there was a dump there many years ago... They might not be able to help you, but they might be able to direct you to someone who can!
My blood platelets are hovering around 700,000. My doctor wants to do a bone marrow test, but I'm not quite ready! I plan on having an electrodermal screening done by a nurse at a local health food store this week. I want to try some alternate routes before doing a bone marrow. I understand it is quite painful. I pray that God will be with you. Best of luck in your fight against the cancer and in your search for answers! Sapphire12112

super girl · 07-01-2004, 02:28 PM

Sapphire12112
hello, I am sorry to hear of your situation also. I have bone marrow biopsies done every 3 months. They are painful, but you shouldn't be afraid. Talk to your dr and tell him/her your fears. My onocologist was so kind to me the first time he even did the procedure himself to make sure everything went well. What you'll experience will be at first a stick and burn and very little discomfort while the dr is trying to get into the bone this may take up to 15 min. the worst part is when the bone marrow is actually taken out. It's hard to explain but you will be quite uncomfortable but it does not last and you will find the strength I promise. Don't be afraid you can get through this. If you have a lot of axiety about the procedure ask your dr for something like xanax or related rx, but be careful these are highly addictive. I only take the xanax when I have a procedure or have a consult for test results. I strongly suggest that you have this procedure done if your dr thinks you need it, it could save your life, hey what's 15 minutes anyway

Be strong, bravery is a state of mind

one thing I forgot, you'll probably be pretty uncomfortable at the site for about 2 days so you may want to rearrange your schedule to accomodate

sapphire12112 · 09-05-2004, 10:34 PM

Super Girl,
I hope your search for answers has been fruitful. Thank you for the positive feedback regarding bone marrow testing. I appreciate it. I have built the test up in my mind to be a horrible procedure, but I guess when you consider the alternative, it really isn't so bad after all! I will most likely be calling my hematologist/oncologist on Tuesday to schedule a bone marrow test. I was trying alternative healing, but I'm concerned that I'm going to wait too long...
Best regards. Sapphire12112