[MrPotatohead]

Re: Stem cell transplant or not?

by MrPotatohead on Thu Sep 24, 2015 2:07 am

Hi winkdot

Congratulations on your successful therapy!

I am dealing with the same decision quandry. I have not yet achieved a CR, but I am making progress toward that on carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and dex.

But I have also been advised to have an ASCT. The data are hardly definitive on which way to go. Most studies still show a small but significant survival advantage with going the stem cell route, but these studies mostly predate some of the newer novel agents, and then you have to weigh that gain against the long recovery many require who go the stem cell route.

Just give yourself the time to think it through, and try to talk to as many others who have chosen one route or the other as you can. Then once you decide, you have to let yourself off the hook in the sense of accepting that you made the best decision possible at the time, and don't revisit it.

That's the advice I have gleaned so far, coming from others who have had to wrestle with this difficult decision.

Good luck!

[gardengirl]

Re: Stem cell transplant or not?

by gardengirl on Thu Sep 24, 2015 6:50 pm

Hi winkdot! This is probably the hardest decision ever to make. I was in the same position as you...achieved CR with induction therapy. I had planned to collect and store stem cells. My specialist was all for SCT from the beginning...said it is still the standard of care at this time. I saw another specialist that said I could do it now or later. Finally, I consulted with a very big named specialist (one that I have the utmost respect for) and he also recommended transplant. I will be pursuing SCT next month and here are some of my reasons that may help you decide; 1) I didn't want to agonize over this decision, so I feel that by doing it now, it's done and I can move on 2) I can't help but feel that doing it early may be of benefit and I'm afraid if I don't, I'm missing the boat 3) If you wait to relapse, my doctor said you will have to go through chemo again before the transplant 4) I want to be off therapy as long as possible and I think that's best achieved via SCT. So it is a very personal decision, one in which there is no right or wrong answer, but trust me when I say that once you make the decision (whether to pursue or wait) you will know what's right for you! Best wishes!!!