I guess I will start here. My name is Anthony, and I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on April 26th 2016. After 6 rounds of induction therapy in 2016, a stem cell transplant in December of 2016, and Darzalex starting in March of this year (but stopped after a month), I am still not in remission.
Since my stem cell transplant and Darzalex treatments I have developed recurring pneumonia. I have had 5 bouts of pneumonia since the end of March until this week. 3 have been since August 28th, a 2 month period.
I am wondering how common frequent pneumonia in cases like mine, what might be causing the problem, and whether I can do anything to avoid the recurring pneumonia going forward.
Hope someone can shed some light on this. Thanks.
Anthony
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Bigdogat - Name: Anthony Tafuri
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 26, 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Recurring pneumonia after induction, SCT & Darzalex
Hi Anthony,
Welcome to the forum (but sorry you have to be here).
Darzalex and most other myeloma treatments can suppression your healthy immunoglobulin production, reducing your body's ability to defend itself against infections. Also, as I recall, pneumonia is one of those infections which, once you get it, tends to hang around and recur. You really have to work hard to get rid of it fully.
Of course, multiple myeloma yourself reduces your body's ability to fight infections.
How are your immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) levels right now, and what about your white blood cell counts? Are they all are in normal ranges?
Also, just to round out your story a bit, can you fill us in on what the treatment regimen was that you had for 6 cycles prior to your transplant? Did it also include Darzalex?
If your immunoglobulin levels are reduced, especially your IgG level, your doctors may consider giving you intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections. Has this been discussed with you?
Good luck!
Welcome to the forum (but sorry you have to be here).
Darzalex and most other myeloma treatments can suppression your healthy immunoglobulin production, reducing your body's ability to defend itself against infections. Also, as I recall, pneumonia is one of those infections which, once you get it, tends to hang around and recur. You really have to work hard to get rid of it fully.
Of course, multiple myeloma yourself reduces your body's ability to fight infections.
How are your immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) levels right now, and what about your white blood cell counts? Are they all are in normal ranges?
Also, just to round out your story a bit, can you fill us in on what the treatment regimen was that you had for 6 cycles prior to your transplant? Did it also include Darzalex?
If your immunoglobulin levels are reduced, especially your IgG level, your doctors may consider giving you intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections. Has this been discussed with you?
Good luck!
Re: Recurring pneumonia after induction, SCT & Darzalex
In addition to Cheryl's spot-on comments, the transplant you underwent likely wiped out any natural and / or vaccine-induced antibodies you had to pneumonia prior to your transplant. So, this adds insult to injury with your potentially lowered immunoglobluin levels.
Usually, transplant patients get revaccinated with a variety of non-live vaccines after a period of time. In the case of pneumonia, some groups recommend that an SCT patient be vaccinated against pneumonia about 12 months after their SCT. To first check your current level of immunity to pneumonia, your doctor can also order a "titer" test. This just involves a very simple blood draw.
Having said all this, I'm not sure what your doctor would recommend vaccine-wise given that you are currently experiencing bouts with pneumonia.
Usually, transplant patients get revaccinated with a variety of non-live vaccines after a period of time. In the case of pneumonia, some groups recommend that an SCT patient be vaccinated against pneumonia about 12 months after their SCT. To first check your current level of immunity to pneumonia, your doctor can also order a "titer" test. This just involves a very simple blood draw.
Having said all this, I'm not sure what your doctor would recommend vaccine-wise given that you are currently experiencing bouts with pneumonia.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
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