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Am I looking at a second stem cell transplant?

by goin camping on Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:45 am

So last month my protein number was up for the second month in a row. My doctor increased my Revlimid from 10 to 15. This month that number was up again.

My doctor said if it was still up next month, I'll get my 15 Revlimid and a weekly shot of something that starts with D (sorry, chemo brain again).

I did the stem cell transplant in April of 2017.

Am I staring down the barrel of another stem cell transplant?

goin camping
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: 10-16
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Am I looking at a second stem cell transplant?

by Ron Harvot on Fri Jan 25, 2019 1:35 pm

The added drug is likely dexamethasone which is commonly combined with Revlimid. It is often given orally as it comes in 4mg pills and is prescribed usually 40 mg a week to start. However it can be administered intravenously or through a shot. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that enhances the effect of Revlimid. In most cases, if a stem cell transplant does not work, the oncologist will pursue other options, and it is not likely that the transplant will be repeated. There are lots of options available as a slew of new novel agents that are very effective have been approved in the last 10 years. So don't despair.

Ron Harvot
Name: Ron Harvot
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
Age at diagnosis: 56


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