Hi there,
I am a 56-year-old female from South Africa. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year ago by chance. No actual physical symptoms other than peripheral neuropathy, which my neurologist thought may be multiple sclerosis. But they detected abnormal proteins and plasma cells in bone marrow.
I ended up with an amazing haematologist who started monitoring the levels. In June at 60% plasma cells, I started on a tablet combination of cortisone, chemo, and thalidomide. After about 6 weeks I stopped working as a teacher and was booked off for a year.
I found that when I took the cortisone I felt really tired, shaky, and generally not great. But that only lasted a few days. The thalidomide also made me feel a bit out of it. I had 5 cycles of this treatment and then started the preparation for an autologous stem cell transplant. I had the harvest after nearly 2 weeks of twice daily Neupogen injections. They luckily got just enough for 2 transplants.
I was admitted to hospital yesterday. Day -3. It was a day of mixed feelings because I don't know exactly what it's going to be like. I felt nervous but at the same time hopeful, as it's now the start of the final stage and what the last few months of treatment have been preparing me for.
It started with a drip and loads of fluid to flush out my kidneys. No problems there. Am now on Day -2 and waiting to have a line put in so I can get the first dose of chemo.
My biggest support is my husband and family. I know that I wouldn't have been able to do this without them and for that I am so blessed. Also I have a network of wonderful friends who are praying for me.
I don't know why I am on this journey, but I do know God is with me every day.
Forums
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Barbara SA - Name: Barbara SA
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Thank you, Barbara, for volunteering to share your stem cell transplant experience with members of the Beacon community. We hope the transplant experience is a smooth one for you and your family.
For others reading this who may be new to the Beacon forum, you should know that there are many other forum threads like this one, describing the stem cell transplant experiences of other Beacon community members. There is a list of these "transplant journal" threads at the end of this Beacon forum posting:
"Useful links to existing forum discussions"
in the section labeled
"Stem Cell Transplant Experiences of Beacon Forum Members"
Note that this "Useful links" posting is always listed as the first discussion thread in the "Treatments & Side Effects" section of the forum.
There also is a link to the "Useful links" posting in the sidebar that appears on every page of the forum. It's the last link in the part of the sidebar titled "Forum Discussions - View By Specific Subject".
For others reading this who may be new to the Beacon forum, you should know that there are many other forum threads like this one, describing the stem cell transplant experiences of other Beacon community members. There is a list of these "transplant journal" threads at the end of this Beacon forum posting:
"Useful links to existing forum discussions"
in the section labeled
"Stem Cell Transplant Experiences of Beacon Forum Members"
Note that this "Useful links" posting is always listed as the first discussion thread in the "Treatments & Side Effects" section of the forum.
There also is a link to the "Useful links" posting in the sidebar that appears on every page of the forum. It's the last link in the part of the sidebar titled "Forum Discussions - View By Specific Subject".
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Hi Barbara,
Good luck. This will be interesting with Chadsnow, myself and you having our stem cell transplants at the same time. I wish you all the best. I know exactly how you feel. I will be having my chemo at some point today.
Regards,
Dean
Good luck. This will be interesting with Chadsnow, myself and you having our stem cell transplants at the same time. I wish you all the best. I know exactly how you feel. I will be having my chemo at some point today.
Regards,
Dean
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Dean UK - Name: Dean
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 41
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Thanks.
Dean: All the best to you, too.
Chad: Hope all is going better today.
Regards,
Barbara
Dean: All the best to you, too.
Chad: Hope all is going better today.
Regards,
Barbara
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Barbara SA - Name: Barbara SA
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Hi Barbara,
My husband is going this process as well. He had his chemo on Sunday and transplant on Monday.
I hope everything goes well for you and I'm praying that your recovery is as smooth as possible.
My husband is going this process as well. He had his chemo on Sunday and transplant on Monday.
I hope everything goes well for you and I'm praying that your recovery is as smooth as possible.
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TCG - Name: Tara
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Love and hugs, my darling sister! See you real soon! 
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elleann - Name: Linda
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Sister
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Today is Day0. My new birthday.
All going well. Had lots if pre meds through the PICC line. Then the stem cells put back in. Just spending the time resting. Apparently the room smells of popcorn now. I can't detect it. So will just watch movie instead.
All the best Dean. Yours also underway.
Keep at getting stronger Chad. You are our advance warning man.
A good and hope-filled day for all.
All going well. Had lots if pre meds through the PICC line. Then the stem cells put back in. Just spending the time resting. Apparently the room smells of popcorn now. I can't detect it. So will just watch movie instead.
All the best Dean. Yours also underway.
Keep at getting stronger Chad. You are our advance warning man.
A good and hope-filled day for all.
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Barbara SA - Name: Barbara SA
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Day +2
All going well. Minor nausea, but nothing to cause major problems.
Have some physio daily – ride a bike and do leg exercises. All good for the circulation.
My medical team of doctor and nursing staff are wonderful, as are the meals and cleaning teams.
Hang in there all who are in treatments.
All going well. Minor nausea, but nothing to cause major problems.
Have some physio daily – ride a bike and do leg exercises. All good for the circulation.
My medical team of doctor and nursing staff are wonderful, as are the meals and cleaning teams.
Hang in there all who are in treatments.
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Barbara SA - Name: Barbara SA
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Hope your getting through the stem cell transplant ok, Barbara.
Regards,
Dean
Regards,
Dean
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Dean UK - Name: Dean
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 41
Re: Barbara's Transplant Journey (South Africa)
Barbara,
So great to hear your positive attitude going in. By now, you're at Day +4, which was right in the middle of the worst week of my life for me! Hang in there, sister. A few more days, and you will turn the corner surprisingly fast.
Days 8-10 were the low point for me. Then, by Day +12, I started feeling about 80% as good as pre-myeloma, which is good.
I'm praying for you here in Arizona.
So great to hear your positive attitude going in. By now, you're at Day +4, which was right in the middle of the worst week of my life for me! Hang in there, sister. A few more days, and you will turn the corner surprisingly fast.
Days 8-10 were the low point for me. Then, by Day +12, I started feeling about 80% as good as pre-myeloma, which is good.
I'm praying for you here in Arizona.
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chadsnow - Name: Chad Snow
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 19, 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 45
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