Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alabama
July 4, 2024
 · 
Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Same here. Smooth process. Harvested enough stem cells for two transplants in one session.

July 4, 2024
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I had stem cells harvested in late August of 2023 and an autologous transplant September 1, 2023. It took 4 or 5 procedures to get enough stem cells and I needed injections of a drug to stimulate stem cell production. The stem cell collection was not as bad as it sounds.
I was sick after the transplant (normal reaction) and between September and December I lost 25 lbs due to a low appetite. But I am glad I did it. When they took the bone marrow biopsy in December, MM was in deep remission. Out of 7 million cells examined, no cancer was found. 10 months later, I feel great!
I was able to have the procedure at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They do it as an outpatient procedure. We stayed at The Gift of Life Transplant House and my husband would push me in a wheelchair to and from the clinic each day.
We were in Rochester for about 6 weeks total and then in semi-quarantine for the remaining 100 days post transplant. That was the hardest part. We could go out but needed to wear masks and avoid people who were obviously sick.
I recommend the procedure.

July 6, 2024
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It was a smooth process. The day before they placed a central line and gave me medicine that made me produce more stem cells. The next morning at 6 am, I was attached to the Apherisis machine for 8 hours. I didn't have to do a second day.

July 4, 2024
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It was an excellent experience. Port installed in neck at 7am. Hooked to Apherisis machine at 8. Done by 3pm with 6.6 million stem cells collected. Only had to do Number 1 once under the sheets. They don’t want you going to the bathroom during the procedure because they have to stop the process.

Wife was there with my bologna sandwich for lunch.

A smooth process.

July 4, 2024
MyMyelomaTeam

The context provides an experience of a person who underwent stem cell harvesting for multiple myeloma. Here are the key points from their experience:

- Preparation: They received daily injections of Nuprigen for a week to draw stem cells from the bone into the blood
- Port Placement: A Hickman catheter was placed in Show Full Answer

The context provides an experience of a person who underwent stem cell harvesting for multiple myeloma. Here are the key points from their experience:

- Preparation: They received daily injections of Nuprigen for a week to draw stem cells from the bone into the blood.
- Port Placement: A Hickman catheter was placed in their chest, which has two ports for administering medications and drawing blood.
- Harvesting Process: The bone marrow harvest was done by electrophoresis. Blood was drawn out, stem cells were gathered and cleaned, and the rest of the blood was returned to the body.
- Duration: The collection process can take from one to three or more days, depending on the patient. For this individual, it lasted a couple of days.
- Post-Harvest: The collected cells were frozen until ready for use.

This person found the process manageable and emphasized the importance of learning how to care for the port to prevent infections.

July 4, 2024

Related Questions

View All
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Harpswell, ME

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Framingham, MA