I declined an SCT. Was diagnosed at age 67 in March '24 with stage 3 high risk Lambda light chains MM with the 17p deletion. Was told I needed a SCT ASAP. I turned it down because my plan has always been to work until 70 and I was asymptomatic tolerating treatment well. I went in remission in August and my doctor said my decision was a good one.
August 4, 2025 (edited)
While stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a common treatment for myeloma, it's important to understand what's involved before making your decision. The procedure typically requires isolation during recovery and comes with several side effects to consider, including:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
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While stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a common treatment for myeloma, it's important to understand what's involved before making your decision. The procedure typically requires isolation during recovery and comes with several side effects to consider, including:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Risk of infections
• Anemia
• Bleeding problems There can also be longer-term considerations such as:
• Cataracts
• Sexual side effects
• Fertility impacts
• Risk of other health complications
It's crucial to have an in-depth discussion with your healthcare team about these potential side effects and your personal health goals. They can help you weigh the benefits against the risks to make the best decision for your situation.
August 4, 2025