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What is MDS?
When Robin Roberts of 'Good Morning America' told viewers that she had been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes, many were unfamiliar with the disease
Mon, Jun 11 2012 at 12:58 PM
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Photo: ABC
Robin Roberts, the popular co-host of ABC’s "Good Morning America," announced this morning that she will begin treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS. Unlike cancer or HIV, this disease hasn’t spent much time in the spotlight, and few know much about it.
MDS is actually a group of diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow — the spongy material inside of bones where blood cells are created. “Myelo” refers to blood cells and “dysplastic” refers to abnormal development or growth — thus, myelodysplastic syndrome indicates that blood cells have an unusual shape and that they have abnormal growth, according to The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation.
Myelodysplastic syndromes happen when something disrupts the regular production of blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with myelodysplastic syndromes have blood cells that are immature and defective, and instead of developing normally, they die in the bone marrow or just after entering the bloodstream. Over time, the number of immature, defective cells begins to surpass that of healthy blood cells, leading to problems such as anemia, infections and excess bleeding.
Some forms of MDS are mild, other types are severe and life-threatening — and mild cases of MDS can become worse over time. They can also develop into the severe, quick-spreading leukemia known as acute myelogenous leukemia.
About 10,000 to 15,000 people are diagnosed with MDS in the United States each year.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are divided into two categories based on their cause:
Myelodysplastic syndromes with no understandable cause are known as de novo myelodysplastic syndromes, and nobody knows what causes these. This category is often easier to treat than are myelodysplastic syndromes with a known cause.
Myelodysplastic syndromes caused by chemicals and radiation are the second category — these can be the result of cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation) as well as a response to chemical exposure. These are called secondary myelodysplastic syndromes and they are often more difficult to treat. Roberts is a breast cancer survivor who underwent chemotherapy.
The World Health Organization further divides myelodysplastic syndromes into subtypes based on the type of blood cells (red cells, white cells and platelets) that are involved.
Symptoms may include, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual paleness (pallor) due to anemia
- Easy or unusual bruising or bleeding
- Pinpoint-sized red spots just beneath your skin caused by bleeding (petechiae)
- Frequent infections
There is no cure for myelodysplastic syndromes, but there are treatments that focus on reducing or preventing complications of the disease. Treatments include chemotherapy, medications, blood transfusions and bone marrow stem cell transplants, which is the treatment that Roberts will receive.
As Roberts noted, “Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women. I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure. As you know from my recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg, organ donation is vitally important. Many people don't realize they can be bone marrow donors. I encourage everyone to sign up on a donor registry like bethematch.org.”
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Robin, I too will undergo a bone marrow transplant due to radiation and chemotherapy fighting breast and then, cervical cancer. This is my third battle with cancer. You and your story has inspired me to be even stronger. Thank you for sharing with the world!!!! Please email me anytime ar sherriedwards28@gmail.com if ever you get the time. I could use your encouragement!!!
Robin you are strong and God is in your side. Much Love
!
Robins may the Good Lord grant you strenght, Joy, and his amazing grace. Robin you are always in my prayers Shallom
Robin - I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44. I received the news a couple months after you announced your diagnosis. You gave me inspiration to fight and get through the rough times. I, too, had chemo and radiation. My 5 years will be up in November, 2012! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You will beat this! You are blessed to have a great support system from friends, family, and coworkers. Keep that great smile!
PS Robin,
Please forgive the mispelled words in my previous post. I should have checked it before I sent it.
I also want to say that I will be praying for you and your family. God will show favor over your life and your sister's life too. God Bless you and yours. Keep the Faith and your wonderful Grace.
Robin, I was so saddened to hear about your diagnosis. You will be in my prayers. Hang in there stay strong, and thank the good Lord you have your precious sister who can give you the bone marrow you need.
Robin ,your faith has made you well. We are in prayer with you. God bless you.
Robin i am praying for you because god is going to heal you and restore your health.be stong god bless you and your family.
my dad survied it so can you love and prayers
All of South Florida is praying for you Robin. xoxoxo Don't worry. You will be fine.
I am continuously struck by your grace under fire. Your attitude and faith will carry you through. "Fight not fright." I will be praying for you and you will triumph!
my prayers to the great physician our Lord Jesus Christ are for you Robin! You are an amazing woman and a great witness to many!
Blessings and prayers for your full and speedy healing.
Love and prayers are being lifted up now for you, Robin. May Our Lord give you the peace, comfort and strength that your neew now and in the coming days and weeks. God Bless you and Yor sister and other family members. May Our Lord wrap His loving arms around you and protect you and give you the love that you need. You are very special to many many people. My pastor and I prayed for you and all concerned.
Much Love,
Irene Shields, Jarratt, VA 23867