[Chris49]

Marijuana use during stem cell transplant

by Chris49 on Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:57 am

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting on here.

I have been trying to find information on whether or not marijuana is ok to use during stem cell transplants.

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about 4 months ago and brought the subject of marijuana up with my oncologist. He said it was fine, except during the stem cell transplant because absolutely no smoking of any kind is allowed. He did say edibles would be fine though.

I am now 2 weeks away from treatment and he now says he doesn't recommend it. He admits he knows nothing about it because until he sees a study on it done on humans he wont even look.

I wish he had said that from the start. My issue is I am a long time pot smoker and would need some time to taper off my use or deal with some side effects. To say this 2 weeks before I go in has me wondering what's the best way to deal with this curveball thrown at me. I don't mind stopping if that's what I have to do. I just wish he was straight with me from the start.

The last week or so my anxiety has really kicked in and I have been an emotional mess all week. In the middle of this he drops this on me. I know this isn't gonna be easy since I'm already a mess. Or is he just clueless on marijuana and using it is no big deal?

[blueblood]

Re: Marijuana use during stem cell transplant

by blueblood on Tue Jan 02, 2018 11:26 am

I think your doctor is directing you away from the smoke particles from pot smoking, not the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.

[Mike F]

Re: Marijuana use during stem cell transplant

by Mike F on Tue Jan 02, 2018 12:01 pm

Hi Chris -

I don't know much about any possible health problems with pot and stem cell transplants. I used it during my induction therapy, which was Revlimid and dexamethasone, to help with the dex issues. I was open with my doctors on this and they didn't have any problems with it.

When it came time for the transplant, though, the insurance company made me sign something stating that I would not use any cannabis or alcohol while I was in the hospital and during recovery at home. The last thing I wanted was to give the insurance company any sort of reason to deny coverage, so I stopped right away. Don't know if that's the sort of thing your doctor may be thinking about, but it's something to consider.

Best wishes on the upcoming transplant! Everyone experiences these differently, but for what it's worth, mine wasn't bad at all. I don't say that to encourage a lack of respect for the process, but just to let you know that it is possible to go through it with minimal discomfort.

[GoDucks]

Re: Marijuana use during stem cell transplant

by GoDucks on Tue Jan 02, 2018 6:45 pm

I just completed my autologous stem cell transplant in Portland, Oregon. I used Marinol (dronabinol), a synthetic form of marijuana for appetite and nausea, along with other drugs while in the hospital. They cautioned against smoking marijuana after I was released because of the possi­bility of fungal infection. Oregon is both a medical and recreational marijuana state, so I used THC drops to help with appetite since my release. I’ve never been a smoker so it was not hard to go to the drops.

[Stann]

Re: Marijuana use during stem cell transplant

by Stann on Wed Jan 30, 2019 11:08 am

I was given Marinol during the stem cell transplant process back in 2011. Its impact on my ability to eat and better mood was amazing. It not only enabled me to eat, but being slightly high, I really enjoyed walking the floor and talking with other patients. I’m sure I walked more because of it.