Nursing with MDS?

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.

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.

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

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!