[Nycmom]

Impact of M-spike above 1 g/dL pre stem cell transplant?

by Nycmom on Sun Aug 31, 2014 10:18 am

Dear forum members:

I just underwent a stem cell transplant.

I was diagnosed December 2013, received 3 rounds of CyBorD [cyclophosphamide, Velcade, and dexamethasone] and 4 rounds of RVD [Revlimid, Velcade, dex], yielding a steady M-spike of about 1.4 g/dL. At this time my specialist recommended going immediately to transplant because I had achieved my deepest response with the alkalytic agent, suggesting high-dose chemo might be my best bet at getting the disease under control and giving me a chance to rebuild bone.

I also had to have a big fusion surgery in my neck due to bone destruction and instability, which I did 7 weeks prior to my SCT.

The term macrofocal disease was mentioned by the specialist because it took several readings on bone marrow biopsy [BMB] to detect significant involvement, way out of proportion to my bony lesions (too many to list, I'm afraid), and I had no other signs of the disease.

I am 38 with two young children and amazing family support. I had normal FISH results.

I learned the other day that my M-spike had climbed to 1.79 from 1.35 in the drug free month (minus Neupogen and Mozobil) prior to my transplant. I am very worried that I will not see significant response, though I have weathered the transplant well (eating and resting well, pain is there but I am habituated to it).

I am wondering if my worries are warranted, that is, if having an M-spike above 1.0 at the time of transplant will present problems for me further down the line.

It would be helpful to hear any perspectives forum members may have on this issue.

Many thanks in advance.

Kindly, nyc mom

[rumnting]

Re: Impact of M-spike above 1 g/dL pre stem cell transplant?

by rumnting on Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:50 pm

I believe my husband's was 1.4 g/dL (14 g/l) just before transplant. He is also high risk by FISH. His transplant was 3 years ago and he is doing well.

[Juneau Boy]

Re: Impact of M-spike above 1 g/dL pre stem cell transplant?

by Juneau Boy on Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:18 pm

Hi,

I wouldn't worry yet. I couldn't get my M-spike below 1.2 g/dL, even after induction for four months and two rounds of heavy chemo. So we went ahead with the transplant, and three months later checked the results. M-spike was still 1.2. I was really bummed.

However, my doc put me on Revlimid maintenance, and my spike steadily dropped over the next few months and is holding steady at 0.3 after 20 months. Also getting Zometa for the bones every three months.

Hang tight, we are all different and this disease treats everyone differently as well.

Best of luck,
Eric

[Zach]

Re: Impact of M-spike above 1 g/dL pre stem cell transplant?

by Zach on Tue Sep 02, 2014 4:46 pm

Hi,

I hope this helps: I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 44 and now I am 67 and have been without treatments for the past 7 years.

My M-spike was never under 1. Over the years, I learned that test results can go up and down. Let's hope that next time it is down again.

Please stay positive.

Best wishes,
I.Z.