Hi Pam - Definitely Hoping for the Very Best Outcome. Sounds like you're well Prep'd & You Got It.

It's a personal choice and I totally respect that. I feel that some times people are not as well informed by their Docs, since SCT is so heavily promoted.

My Nurse, two years ago was so determined SCT was the only option to consider - based on her 30+ years in oncology. There were 4 of us being treated at the same time with DarzFasPro+ RVD and we all became MRD Negative very quickly. Though it was my choice to Not SCT, when the others were sent forward to the SCT Prep Team - wherever they went, that Facility ended up recommending to Not SCT for the three others due to their them reaching 10 -6 clonoSEQ. It's a New Standard of Remission that previously was never able to be tested.

Previously, 10 -5 (zero per 100,000) was considered Negative but they would far to often Relapse. Now with clonoSEQ, the 10 -6 (none per million) has proven to be Durable on its Own.

I make a very intense effort to Research and Decide on Proven Case Studies and to understand the Pro's & Con's of the Life we have to manage.

Just read an Article today of a MM Research Specialist saying he expects to have a Cure for MM in 5 Years, based entirely on Immunotherapy and No Chemo and No SCT. Seems there will be a Cure in our Life Time - What a Great Thing That Will Be.

All the Best

Hi Larry. Thanks for your response. SCT has become somewhat controversial, in terms of having it or not having it, especially after reaching zero bad plasma. However, I’m being treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center and my doctor believes SCT is the best treatment for me at this time to insure long lasting remission and I am completely on board with him.
I know a lot of people have differing opinions about SCT (including doctors) but I trust my MD Anderson team so I’m moving forward and hoping for the best outcome.

Warmest regards,

Pam

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member, hi Jenn. That’s an excellent question! I was diagnosed 5/21. I’m currently in remission WITHOUT a SCT 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. So, it’s been 2 years now. My medications were Revilmid, Dexamethasone and Darzalex. Faspro. I’ve since discontinued Dex. Although I’m managing. I still get tired, my appetite isn’t great and I have pain in back and lately knees, due to arthritis. I keep positive and keep moving forward with plans. I hope this helps.

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A MyMyelo...

I was diagnosed May 2022, and in complete remission, on monthly maintainence therapy. I am opt out for SCT for now.

Hi Pam - Any particular reason you're getting a SCT if you're already at Zero Bad Plasma?

Have you tested via clonoSEQ to see that you're 10 -6 Negative - No Cancer Per Million Cells Tested?

If so with the clonoSEQ method, you've already accomplished what a SCT can hope to do and without losing your Life Time of Gained Immunities.

Getting a SCT, discards all of your Gained Immunities (including your exposure to MM), comes with risks, typically has a 6 month to a year recovery, you spend the next two years getting your Shots again, etc...

When I had to decide two years ago, I was advised by my Consulting Onc from Johns Hopkins - "Now or 3 years from Now would not change my Overall Survival Rate"

There's plenty on this Forum that have not had a SCT, once they achieved MRD Negative through Treatment Meds.