[Matt]

Re: Revlimid/Velcade/dexamethasone

by Matt on Wed May 25, 2011 11:50 am

Nadia,

At the time the standard of care was to go ahead with the transplant. From what I've read, the necessity of a transplant for patients who have achieved a complete response with Vel/Rev/Dex is being debated. The University of Arkansas -- the cancer center with the most aggressive approach to multiple myeloma -- will recommend two transplants within six weeks of each other even in cases of a patient achieving a complete response.

I see a local oncologist once a month. She works directly with my doctors at Hackensack. When I had my stem cell transplant I saw Dr. Pecora who is the director of the entire cancer center. But when you go in for the stem cell transplant you work with all of the specialists. Each day a different dr. would make the rounds, so at the time I saw Drs. Rowley, Siegel, and Pecora. (I believe a couple of the other drs. were on vacation while I was there.) When you are treated at a cancer center the doctors work as a team. Since my transplant I see Dr. Pecora for post-transplant care and Dr. Vesole -- who was not on the staff at the time of my transplant -- for issues related to my multiple myeloma.

I had no complications with my transplant. I did have a platelet transfusion on my final day at the center before I was sent home. Technically I was treated as an outpatient. I lived in an apartment near the center and had a nurse's aid who stayed with me overnight. During the day I stayed at the transplant center from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I was tired during the transplant. I also didn't talk much because I was afraid of being grouchy.

[KenDick]

Re: Revlimid/Velcade/dexamethasone

by KenDick on Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:27 pm

I was stage 4 multiple myeloma. I had 8 lessions in my right hip and one in my left shoulder. After radiation and hip replacement I started Rev/Vel/dex treatment. In 6 and 1/2 weeks I was in total remission !! I did SCT after 4 months or so of the treatment. I am at day+ 120 or so and am doing well. Still have pain etc, but doing good.. I think the treatment was fantastic. Of course I had negative bone marrow biopsy before starting treatment so maybe it was as bad as other people, but I beleive that treatment was the best for me.. My stem cell doc says he expects to see me 20 years from now for a visit !!!!

[nadia33]

Re: Revlimid/Velcade/dexamethasone

by nadia33 on Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:58 am

Wow you are both such success stories and the ones that gives hope to others.
Thank you for sharing your experience and keep up with good health ..