Nursing with MDS?

[bxpansive]

Hi. I have considered going into nursing after a 20 year career in pharmaceutical chemistry. I would like to do something more directly with people and health care. Although I have done some massage as a licensed massage therapist, nursing seems like a really interesting career as well as a viable way of earning a living. A year ago I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and all three blood lineages are depressed and show dysplasia. The counts have been "low" for years, but no one ordered a bone marrow biopsy until the platelets went below 100 a couple of times. I asked a couple of oncologist hematologists who know my case about going into nursing. They didn't say no but they didn't give an enthusiastic yes, either. I have never asked a nurse, though. Dumb. My counts may not get so low that I need treatment for a long time or they might. According to some papers that I have read, I have another 10 years, at least. I am 48. It seems to me that it would not be a good idea to be around a bunch of infectious people with my low white counts (out of normal range but without symptoms). I have a slight anemia. On the other hand, I don't get sick much other than sinusitus. Health care is really cool - it's like a hobby for me for years. Helping people understand their meds and some of the physiology, biochemistry. Relieving people's tension with massage is really cool, too. Helping people to feel better and get on with a better life. So.

Any opinions as to whether I should pursue nursing or another clinical occupation, or just stay away?

Thanks.

[OCNRN63, RN]

It could be really difficult. There are so many complications patients with MDS deal with; from the disease itself to the treatment regimen. Do you have an onc. of your own you can ask?

[bxpansive]

Long Intro and answer:

Yes, I have an oncology doc. Just moved out of state and met him 6 weeks ago for the first time and had my blood run. Had counts nearly as good as in 2002. Maybe, I just needed to move? I'm fortunate in that with my "performance," everything just a little low for years, and BM biopsy results (yes, it is MDS-RCMD), I could live with this for a long time and, G-d willing, live well.

From what the docs have said and from what I have read, they cannot give a prognosis. They cannot very well say, "No problem," but they cannot say when things could get worse. Not when I might need treatment (he's a good guy, wants to really weigh the toxicity of treatment with the need and bang-for-the-buck.)

I know nursing requires energy and physical endurance, as well as smarts and commitment. I think that I have the smarts and commitment, but I have serious doubts about the energy and endurance.

Actual Question:

(I had my nursing prereq's completed at the the time of bone marrow biopsy.) Let's say I get through nursing school and pass the boards and get licensed as an RN.

Then stuff starts going downhill, little by little: neutropenia sometimes, a transfusion here and there. (Eventually, some chemo and/or a bone marrow transplant, etc.)

Is there a reasonable place in nursing where I could be of service (have the energy and wits) and where I wouldn't have to freak out about infections?

Or, any interesting directions to go for a chemist (who wants to stay out of the lab where he may have helped this Myelodysplastic Syndrome to get started)?

Thanks.

[spore2008]

How about teaching at a community college? If you have an advanced degree in the sciences, you could possibly teach nursing students. I don't think there is any difficulty with you going to school. But I do think going to nursing school could be a costly gamble. No one can predict the future.

I think you need to focus on your health. Consistent exposure to various pathogens could be deleterious or down right poisonous to your well-being.

It sounds like you have already done the calculus. The rub here is your heart and your health are rooted in different pathways.

[khotso mayelane]

i think you should concetrate much on your health ,because if its that nursing training which i also know it will be difficult for you if your paper allow you can look for a job as a tutor

[bxpansive]

Well, I'm in nursing school and doing well and having good experiences and learning a lot. A ton. About nursing, the healthcare industry, people, and myself. Working in memory care, too, at a LTC. My MDS has only progressed a little so far and I am still asymptomatic, except for the anxiety of having such a condition, anticipating the progression and the treatments that it will necessitate someday. My oncologist responded to me when I told him that I was thinking of going to nursing school, that I should do whatever I wanted to do. Easy for docs to say, but I also figured what the he!!. Hopefully, I'll finish up with school, get some experience like a "regular" RN, and when necessary find a desk job. This is just me.

I tried looking for a chemistry job. Made me feel sick. Thanks to everyone who responded - I appreciate your care. Keep it up!