I think the biggest difference is that traditional, harsh, intravenous, chemical chemotherapy indiscriminately kills rapidly dividing cells- both cancer cells and normal, healthy dividing cells. This is why people lose their hair. Whereas MM meds in pill or subcutaneous injections form are designed to target specific abnormal plasma cells. So MM drugs are considered targeted or immune therapies, which the biggest distinction from classic chemotherapy.

Kathryn,
If needed, there is an alternative to Revlimid. Pomalyst. Try not to worry. You are doing great!
Paula🌹

I have been on 25 mg Revlimid for almost a year ( along with the other BiG Three). Still have a head full of long hair! It did thin out a bit but have been using various hair care products to strengthen my hair and invigorate the follicles.
the “ lost hair” is now filling back in and I feel it’s no harm/ no foul . So grateful to have the needed medications to stay alive and even prosper -
I know that if a ASCT is ever needed I’ll lose the hair—- but I also know it grows back. ( Cause I went through that 30 years ago with a different cancer .Everything is relative with this ridiculous myeloma disease. I’m not even going to capitalize mm anymore. It doesn’t get that much power from me.
Yeah I know this may have sounded a little kookie, but all true and I shared my heart. ❤️
Peach, Love and Joy to all and especially those who are suffering with various side effects, including hair loss and pain. . 💕💕💕

The day before my SCT/BMT I was given a dose of melphalan. About a week later, I looked like a plucked chicken. Include also, extreme nausea,vomiting and diarrhea. I would pass on a second SCT if I relapsed and look for another option because of the melphalan.

Linda, I appreciated your candor in discussing MM! Don’t give it more power than need be.