Hello,
I started treatment for multiple myeloma in April. My m-spike was 4.4 at its highest. I started on rev 15mg/40mg dex once a week for 2 cycles, then added Velcade twice a week to get my m-spike down more quickly so I could get my stem cells collected and stored. I am on a lower dose of Revlimid due to my low white blood count. After 2 more cycles of RVD my spike is now 3.4. My question is, is it feasible to not collect stem cells at this time because I still have a high m-spike and if so would I still be able to get a SCT later? I would rather take the control approach to my multiple myeloma and would rather be treated with less toxicity such as going back to Revlimid and dex.
Thank you for your assistance.
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4 posts
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Re: Stem Cell Harvesting
Hi Michelle,
There are people who post here who have much, much more knowledge than me on the subject. I'll give you my take on your question. From what I'm told I think your m-protein is high for the sct. Revlimid can cause lower stem cell production, so you have to watch how many cycles of it you take. The docs who I see prefer (but not absolutety) the m-protein to be 0.3 or less and the plasma cell to be under 10%.
I have been taking chemo since Nov. last year and still trying to get the counts down. We have tried a couple of chemo's and now I am taking the vrd like you. I have completed 2 cycles and will start the 3rd next week. Hope all goes well for you.
There are people who post here who have much, much more knowledge than me on the subject. I'll give you my take on your question. From what I'm told I think your m-protein is high for the sct. Revlimid can cause lower stem cell production, so you have to watch how many cycles of it you take. The docs who I see prefer (but not absolutety) the m-protein to be 0.3 or less and the plasma cell to be under 10%.
I have been taking chemo since Nov. last year and still trying to get the counts down. We have tried a couple of chemo's and now I am taking the vrd like you. I have completed 2 cycles and will start the 3rd next week. Hope all goes well for you.
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Ritz - Name: Ritz
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Stem Cell Harvesting
Hello Michelle,
You have not had an adequate response to treatment yet to proceed with stem cell collection and transplant. I think your therapy needs to be modified and/or changed. Without the details of your treatment I cannot comment more specifically. If you have not yet seen the transplant center and a myeloma specialist it would be a good idea to get with them ASAP as they will have recommendations regarding how to improve your response quickly.
You have not had an adequate response to treatment yet to proceed with stem cell collection and transplant. I think your therapy needs to be modified and/or changed. Without the details of your treatment I cannot comment more specifically. If you have not yet seen the transplant center and a myeloma specialist it would be a good idea to get with them ASAP as they will have recommendations regarding how to improve your response quickly.
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Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Stem Cell Harvesting
Thank you Ritz and Dr. Libby for your replies. I have contacted my multiple myeloma specialist.
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Michelle - Name: Michelle
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 53
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