I have a consultation appointment this week with a stem cell doctor at our local hospital specializing in the treatment of cancer.
For those of you who have gone through this process, could you give me advice on what questions I should ask the doctor?
I was diagnosed in January 2015 at Stage III with some chromosomal abnormalities and have been taking RVD (Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone).
Anyone else that was diagnosed with Stage III have success with an auto stem cell transplant?
Thanks!
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Re: Questions I should ask the stem cell doctor?
Hello Spirit:
The autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) process is a lot to digest for an individual / family going through this for the first time, and certainly would be an overly long post to discuss. I would say go through the several people who were motivated enough to "blog" their experiences and post to this website – see the list of such experiences near the bottom of the posting "Useful links to existing forum discussions", which you can always find at the top of the "Treatments & Side Effects" section of the forum.
My wife went through this in February. I did not actually find this forum until we had some down time while we were staying in hospital. I did not realize the extent of a resource that is contained in this forum. Although we did not suffer by not reading the blogs ahead of time, they do contain vary valuable info.
In short, the main issues to ask and get prepared for are "logistical". You can do it inpatient or outpatient these days. I understand it is about a 50/50 split. If you are in the hospital, there is still a lot to be prepared for, but a lot of it is set up for you. If it is outpatient, then there is a somewhat longer list of items on the list to be prepared. for.
As for my lovely wife and myself, we are pleased where we are at this point having gone through the procedure with some side effects, but on the low side. We have still to learn the results of the 100 day evaluation. If we get to MRD negative, or CR, then that would be good.
Good luck to you.
The autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) process is a lot to digest for an individual / family going through this for the first time, and certainly would be an overly long post to discuss. I would say go through the several people who were motivated enough to "blog" their experiences and post to this website – see the list of such experiences near the bottom of the posting "Useful links to existing forum discussions", which you can always find at the top of the "Treatments & Side Effects" section of the forum.
My wife went through this in February. I did not actually find this forum until we had some down time while we were staying in hospital. I did not realize the extent of a resource that is contained in this forum. Although we did not suffer by not reading the blogs ahead of time, they do contain vary valuable info.
In short, the main issues to ask and get prepared for are "logistical". You can do it inpatient or outpatient these days. I understand it is about a 50/50 split. If you are in the hospital, there is still a lot to be prepared for, but a lot of it is set up for you. If it is outpatient, then there is a somewhat longer list of items on the list to be prepared. for.
As for my lovely wife and myself, we are pleased where we are at this point having gone through the procedure with some side effects, but on the low side. We have still to learn the results of the 100 day evaluation. If we get to MRD negative, or CR, then that would be good.
Good luck to you.
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: Questions I should ask the stem cell doctor?
Hello Spirit,
I remember asking myself the same question last year during my consultation with my transplant doctor. Every question I went in with was answered by my doctor before I asked them. I remember leaving that meeting and thinking that I probably didn't ask the right questions. As it turned out, the transplant coordinator and the doctor were always willing and available to answer my questions during the months prior to transplant.
I think JPC hit it on the head that most of the unknowns are logistical, and I found that the BMT department and social services had that all worked out for me on a timely basis.
Looking back upon it, I realize that much of my worry and concern was unfounded, since the team working on my behalf covered all bases. I had my transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and my experience was first class from beginning to end.
I'm sure the transplant experience will vary from center to center, but I would guess most major transplant centers will have most of your questions answered before you ask them and will be there for you when you need more information. The consultation just gets the ball rolling for you.
All the best,
I remember asking myself the same question last year during my consultation with my transplant doctor. Every question I went in with was answered by my doctor before I asked them. I remember leaving that meeting and thinking that I probably didn't ask the right questions. As it turned out, the transplant coordinator and the doctor were always willing and available to answer my questions during the months prior to transplant.
I think JPC hit it on the head that most of the unknowns are logistical, and I found that the BMT department and social services had that all worked out for me on a timely basis.
Looking back upon it, I realize that much of my worry and concern was unfounded, since the team working on my behalf covered all bases. I had my transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and my experience was first class from beginning to end.
I'm sure the transplant experience will vary from center to center, but I would guess most major transplant centers will have most of your questions answered before you ask them and will be there for you when you need more information. The consultation just gets the ball rolling for you.
All the best,
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Dano - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
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