[Beacon Staff]

Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by Beacon Staff on Tue Sep 25, 2012 6:00 pm

This week's poll question is about stem cell donors.

A few clarifications:

First, this question is for readers who have multiple myeloma and who have received an allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant (where stem cells from a donor are transplanted into the patient’s body).

Second, if you are a caregiver or family member of someone who has myeloma and who received a donor transplant, feel free to answer on their behalf.

As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.

[PDiddy]

Re: Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by PDiddy on Sat Sep 29, 2012 10:54 pm

I've never had an allogenic transplant but have had 2 auto's. My question to the others who've had an allogenic transplant is did any of you have an auto transplant (or two) before having the allogenic?

[Mark]

Re: Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by Mark on Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:30 am

Hi PDiddy,

Unfortunately my insurance company forced me to do an auto before they would pay for an allo. I was responding well to my Induction and my Doctor wanted me to do an allo as soon as the Induction got me to CR. I ended up getting to CR with my auto and then did my allo 4 months after my auto. My Doctor is in a very small minority that recommends doing an allo right after Induction. The allo works best when done in first CR. I think most patients do autos prior to allos in myeloma.

Mark

[PDiddy]

Re: Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by PDiddy on Sun Sep 30, 2012 4:25 pm

Hi Mark, I didn't know one could have an allo before auto. I know auto's can be more difficult and hope you're doing well. Do you know of any multiple myeloma patients who've had auto's after allo's?

[Maryan]

Re: Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by Maryan on Tue Oct 02, 2012 11:39 am

I had a tandem transplant because I have plasma cell leukema, a myeloma-like cancer. I had the auto in October, followed by the allo in April. My insurance company initially denied the allo, because they felt it was not "proven to be effective". I don't know if denying an expensive procedure the first time is standard in the US, but I fought their decision and was then approved.
My sister was my donor. I experienced no dreaded side effects and no Graft vs host. I am now 6 months post transplant and doing very well.

[stann]

Re: Weekly Poll – Stem Cell Donor

by stann on Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:46 am

Suggestion for poll:
If you have had an SCT, overall, are you happy you made the decision to have one?
Same question for allogenic transplants.