Does anyone here feel a bone marrow transplant is something they don’t feel good about doing. Seems most people have them and as I’m recouping from double hip replacement I’m not able at this point but sooner or later I need to make the decision but everything inside of me says no. Is this God speaking or me. I’ve been praying for the right answer and the doc keeps pushing
What’s your status with your Labs and treatment - have you finished Induction and on maintenance or still doing induction?
How’s your MSpike?
There’s some where induction can Not stabilize their Labs to normal with a low MSpike such as 0.3 or less and Ig levels that are normal or below normal (happens due to induction meds). Also there are those that relapse during induction. In those cases, going directly to a SCT is probably very important to do right away (seek your oncologist’s guidance).
When induction can get you to normal Labs, it’s mostly likely viable to postpone to regain your health to be strong enough to handle the burden of the SCT, if you choose to do it.
My Consulting Doc at Johns Hopkins told me Now or three years from Now wasn’t going to change my Overall Survival Rate (a special term regarding life expectancy). He made this statement due to me getting to normal Labs in 6 weeks from starting induction. At 12 weeks I transitioned to maintenance without a SCT. About 4 months later, I tested MRD Negative. The maintenance meds (lower dose less frequent) finished what induction started, without a SCT.
Though it was my choice at 12 weeks to Postpone my SCT, now at Negative, I have no need for a SCT unless future Labs indicate otherwise. Hopefully by then there will be better treatments like the bispecifics.
Trust your Labs and work with or Consult with a MM Oncologist Specialist to help you through this choice and process.
All the Best
I do not qualify for transplant yet, but I am pining for the day when it becomes an option for me. I am definitely going with the transplant. I want the unhealthy cells in my bone marrow to be attacked with a vengeance. I am going to take all of the help that is offered provided that it has worked for others. I see you as being lucky to have this option. But it’s your life and your choice and I wish for your choices to be the right ones for you.
God bless. ❤️🙏
Great question Kim. I chose not to have the procedure. I feel I made the correct decision for me based upon overall rewards vs complicated procedure and problems.
Last check I had no m spike and my labs were good. I have a second opinion scheduled the end of the month. They have me on no meds. I’m sure the second opinion will encourage a bmt I might be wrong but I’m just not there yet. I really appreciate you knowledge and imput. Hugs
I watch as many webinars as I can. Transplant is still recommended by most specialists especially for high risk patients 💜
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