[Evangelos]

Chemotherapy details

by Evangelos on Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:28 pm

Hi,
first of all sorry for any grammatic errors for i don't use english often. My mother has been diagnosed of having multiple myeloma about 8 to 9 months ago. She was given Velcade for her first treatment. Now after harvesting her stem cells were waiting for her first autologous transplant. Her doctor informed us that we will have to wait about 3 months until she begins this treatment. The truth is that we don't know exactly how this procedure is going to be. I've read in some articles about high dose chemotherapy before the transplant. Does it mean that it is very stronger than any other chemotherapies that are been used as treatmeants of other type of cancers? What and how much intense are the side effects? For how much time they're gonna be felt before they dissapear? If anyone could help me about these questions or give some tips about where i can find detailed answers, i would be most greatefull. Again sorry for any wrong expressions that i may have used.

[Kansas]

Re: Chemotherapy details

by Kansas on Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:54 am

There are many posts on the transplant process throughout this site. Some of contributing columnists have chronicled their process. Sean Murray for one. Also, Pat Killingsworth - also a columnist - is currently undergoing transplant.

The chemo used 3 days prior to receiving stem cells back is very strong -- 2 days of chemo, 1 day in between, get stem cells back - blood counts will continue to go down prior to coming back up - transplant center should give you full information on the process, side effects, etc.

Best wishes to your mom and you. Rex and Kay (Rex had transplant last November)

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Chemotherapy details

by Beacon Staff on Tue Jul 05, 2011 1:50 pm

Dear Evangelos,

You may want to start out by reading our resource article on the topic:

https://myelomabeacon.org/resources/2008/10/15/stem-cell-transplants/

As Kay pointed out, there are already a few threads on our forums on stem cell transplants that you may want to review. Here are a few to get you started:

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/stem-cell-transplant-t35.html

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/stem-cell-harvest-coming-up-any-advice-t329.html

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/after-effects-from-stem-cell-therapy-t165.html

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/stem-cell-transplant-and-ability-to-do-light-work-t464.html

Best wishes to your mother.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Chemotherapy details

by Dr. Edward Libby on Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:35 am

Hello Evangelos,
I frequently give the pamphlet on Blood and Stem Cell Transplantation that is produced by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to my patients who may need that procedure.
It can be downloaded for no cost on their website at http://www.lls.org/#/resourcecenter/freeeducationmaterials/treatment/

[Evangelos]

Re: Chemotherapy details

by Evangelos on Fri Jul 08, 2011 5:24 pm

Thank you all for your replies. They're very helpfull. I wish the best for all the petients and their families.