What is this? Weird bloodwork numbers, not much help from docs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One other thought, make sure she is checked for internal bleeding (ulcers). Doesn't explain the WBC count, but most commonly the reason for low RBC.

Even a bleeding hemorrhoid could cause this,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Urinary tract infections are very common in older people, and often present vague symptoms that are very different from the burning or feeling of urgency that younger people experience. My elderly Dad became confused, fell, and generally felt “off”. Bloodwork showed a raging infection and it turns out it was a UTI.

I hope that it’s something easily treatable, but I agree with PP that you should plan to visit her and check on her.

This. And I think they tend not to test elderly women for UTIs as much as elderly men. My dad had similar symptoms and he had a UTI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Things are now moving fast and furious: MIL has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and starts a course of chemo today. Then they’re talking about a bone marrow transplant in about six weeks. Clearly not the easy solution we were hoping for, but we are thankful for answers and a defined path forward.

DH will likely go out sooner than our original tickets, and I and the kids will follow as booked. After that, we’ll play it by ear. We are very grateful that DH’s brother lives in the same city as their mom, so she has immediate support.

If anyone in the DCUM Universe has experience with MDS, or would be willing to offer some general advice for supporting chemo patients (and/or supporting the people who are supporting the chemo patient), whether in-person or from a distance, I would be very grateful for suggestions, links, etc. Right now I’m just concentrating on holding space for my husband and doing what I can to free him up for where he’s needed.

Sorry that it is MDS.
Honestly, I’m surprised that anyone is planning to move straight to transplant in an over 70 year old. And 6 weeks is a very aggressive tone frame.
I think that your mother in law should get a second opinion at a major cancer center - most do telehealth consults now, so it is easy.