I guess it might depend on your type of myeloma whether you opt out or not. I have free light chain kappa and it is very aggressive in destroying bones and attacking kidneys. My kidneys were dangerously low functioning when I was diagnosed, and already had one compression fracture in my T12 vertebrae filled with cement. At the time of the procedure they did a biopsy of the T11 and found abnormal plasma cells leading to the diagnosis confirmed by bone marrow biopsy of my hip. I had no symptoms until the back pain and 3 months later I was diagnosed with Stage 2. I intend to go ahead with the stem cell transplant to give myself every opportunity to get rid of as many of the cancer cells as possible.

I opted out...seems to me stem cell trans ruins quality of life for very little gain...on the other end. find the meds that control the MM...and enjoy life!

I’m 2 years out from my sct I did not have a hard time but I also did not get remission so now I’m on darzalex fast pro and dex so far seems to be keeping it under control

I took have opted out of stem cell as too intrusive and chemo oriented....didn't want to take huge step backwards in how I feel now...

Toni. Google Dr. Berensen. He is a non stem cell advocate. Has very informative videos. Just more data points to consider. After a consultation with him. I am choosing not to do the stem cell for at least awhile.