Hi all!
Would love to hear people's experiences with a second autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) that wasn't a tandem (back-to-back) transplant.
How did the transplant go? How are things going since the transplant? Have you had long-term success?
My mother had her first SCT in June 2008. She will be having her second this March. Unlike the first time, though, she is not in a complete response. I think she could best be described as stable right now. Everything I have read indicates that getting the best response before SCT is highly desirable, but her doctor is determined to do it ASAP.
Has anyone had success with a SCT in less than a partial response?
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BeatMyeloma - Name: BeatMyeloma
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan. 2008
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Second stem cell transplant - experiences?
My husband did a little better with the second one because he knew what to expect and the procedure had improved too. He found that the second one lasted about the same as the first, but I don't know if that is typical.
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dmcarthu
Re: Second stem cell transplant - experiences?
Dear BeatMyeloma,
I, too, underwent my first ASCT in June 2008. Although I had taken Revlimid and dex for several months before, I was not in remission at the time of the transplant. I achieved a VGPR (very good partial response) as a result of the transplant. My oncologist at the time proposed a tandem ASCT a few months afterwards, but I decided not to go for it after getting a 2nd opinion.
After resuming Revlimid and dex treatment, I did achieve remission for several months in 2009. Since then, I've had a number of chemo combinations (VRD, CRD, etc), but took a treatment break starting December 2013, since my protein levels were low and stable.
By September 2014, I relapsed, and my oncologist advised a 2nd ASCT as a salvage option to buy me time until I was in good enough condition to register for a clinical trial or another chemo option.
I was in relatively good health at the time of my first transplant -- only 54 and no bone pain or kidney involvement. I bounced back very easily. Recovery from the 2nd transplant hasn't been as easy. Besides being older, I had to have numerous transfusions before and after the transplant because my hemoglobin and platelets were dangerously low.
I came home from the hospital shortly before Thanksgiving and thank God all counts have stayed in the normal range. Other than a mild cold and occasional nausea and diarrhea, my immune system is coming along better than I expected. I have some lingering issues with balance, but it's not major. Will be talking to my oncologist next week about what's next.
I only achieved a VGPR from the 2nd transplant, but I'll take it! I wasn't convinced tandem was the way to go in 2008, and I'm still not convinced. I can't go back to channel the past anyway, so I'm looking forward, trying to make the best decisions possible.
As you know, each person's experience is different. I wish your Mom well and pray that she gets a good result. Best to you too!
I, too, underwent my first ASCT in June 2008. Although I had taken Revlimid and dex for several months before, I was not in remission at the time of the transplant. I achieved a VGPR (very good partial response) as a result of the transplant. My oncologist at the time proposed a tandem ASCT a few months afterwards, but I decided not to go for it after getting a 2nd opinion.
After resuming Revlimid and dex treatment, I did achieve remission for several months in 2009. Since then, I've had a number of chemo combinations (VRD, CRD, etc), but took a treatment break starting December 2013, since my protein levels were low and stable.
By September 2014, I relapsed, and my oncologist advised a 2nd ASCT as a salvage option to buy me time until I was in good enough condition to register for a clinical trial or another chemo option.
I was in relatively good health at the time of my first transplant -- only 54 and no bone pain or kidney involvement. I bounced back very easily. Recovery from the 2nd transplant hasn't been as easy. Besides being older, I had to have numerous transfusions before and after the transplant because my hemoglobin and platelets were dangerously low.
I came home from the hospital shortly before Thanksgiving and thank God all counts have stayed in the normal range. Other than a mild cold and occasional nausea and diarrhea, my immune system is coming along better than I expected. I have some lingering issues with balance, but it's not major. Will be talking to my oncologist next week about what's next.
I only achieved a VGPR from the 2nd transplant, but I'll take it! I wasn't convinced tandem was the way to go in 2008, and I'm still not convinced. I can't go back to channel the past anyway, so I'm looking forward, trying to make the best decisions possible.
As you know, each person's experience is different. I wish your Mom well and pray that she gets a good result. Best to you too!
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cdc110jw
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