by dustydenimdad on Mon Nov 02, 2015 6:15 pm
Hey F Cancer,
I'm also being treated at Mount Sinai. I see a doctor from the bone marrow transplant team, and another from the myeloma team. Like you, I was unsure whether or not to proceed with transplantation subsequent to induction therapy. I discussed this matter separately with 3 doctors, and posed the same questions to each of them: Why not wait and see what happens? Why not wait until my M-spike begins to trend upward?
"We know what's going to happen - it's going to come back," responded one of them. "It's important to attack the disease while it's dormant, as opposed to when it's active," responded another. In short, they all erred on the side of transplanting early. And with that I submitted myself for transplantation two months after induction therapy concluded, and while still in remission. In fact, I recently completed my transplant. The important thing, for me, was that I was comfortable in my decision.
I think Multibilly is right: Seek 2-3 opinions from specialists before making a decision. You might even be able to do so at Mount Sinai. (Aside: Mount Sinai recently added Dr. Barlogie, a myeloma specialist from the University of Arkansas. I hear good things about him.)
Additionally, it is worth remembering that remission, unfortunately, is not necessarily a given. Thus, it might be worth it to see how well you respond to induction therapy before staking out a position.
Finally, have you had a FISH panel to determine if any chromosomal abnormalities are present? That would certainly influence your opinion one way or another.
Whatever you decide, I wish you nothing but the best. Should you have any questions about what it was like receiving a transplant at Mount Sinai, please do not hesitate to send me a message.
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