[David Rainwater]

Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by David Rainwater on Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:45 pm

I have completed 5 and a half rounds of Revlimid and Dexamethasone.i have also taken 4 injections of Velcade. My m-spike is low and acceptable by my oncologist. Today, the decision was made to suspend chemo until after the sct.

Is this common to suspend chemo?

[genk]

Re: Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by genk on Fri Mar 22, 2013 6:14 am

Yes they stopped mine 2 months before my ASCT it is scary but the doctors I see seem to know their business. Did not hurt me. I am 11 months out from the transplant my multiple myeloma is under control at a .8 m spike all other blood levels normal according to my doctor. I am on a maint of 15mg Revlimid 21 day cycle and 4 mg Dexamethesone once a week. As you may know multiple myeloma has no cure but is treatable as I been told. Hang in there hope your results are good from the transplant.

[David Rainwater]

Re: Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by David Rainwater on Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:47 am

Thank you for your reassurance. It's good to know know these things before forging ahead. I wish you the best.

[Wrast4532]

Re: Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by Wrast4532 on Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:32 pm

They stopped my dad's for 2-3 mos before. What made us feel better is 1. Knowing how long it took for the disease to progress 2. The experts would never do something if there was a known risk! My dad felt "awesome" for the first time in years! his hemoglobin rebounded, the
Myeloma was almost 0, Best of luck to you!

[GeorgeLJurak]

Re: Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by GeorgeLJurak on Fri Mar 22, 2013 4:55 pm

Yes, it is normal to stop Revlimid before SCT. They did that with me. I think the Rev can lower stem cell counts and that is why they stop it. Good luck with your transplant.

[bbrown687782]

Re: Preparing for Stem Cell Transplant

by bbrown687782 on Sat Mar 23, 2013 10:32 am

I agree with everyone above. My stem cell transplant was Nov. 2008, and my Revlimid-Velcade-Dex was stopped about 6 weeks prior to transplant. Since my labs had not been good (incresingf negatively) for the 4 previous cycles this was concerning to me, but as stated above, it is required for obtaining the best results from the transplant. My first 4 cycles had been very good, VGPR, but started changing negatively. Total of 8 cycles prior to transplant.