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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.

Can someone please explain the stem cell mobilization to me, in terms of pain and if they had to do it more than once.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Richards Bay, ZA

My husband is currently taking the filgrastrim sub cut shots to boost his white count and its causing him pain, how does this pain feel because its 2 injections a day over a 5 day period
Also we were told that the first extraction might not be a success and they might need to do it the next day too. Did anyone experience something similar?

UPDATE: went in, they used the veins in his arms, he sat there for 7hrs. Results came back in the afternoon, we had to repeat the procedure
2nd day same… read more

February 7 (edited)
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Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

The pain I was told has to do with the increase in stem cells. I never had that abd I had trouble getting enough. Consider it a good sign and I was told Claritin helps with the pain. Ask your husband’s doctor if he can take it

February 9
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Admit that this was a most painful experience, felt like pressure being applied inside my bones and expanding outward. Only needed the one stem cell extraction and thankful for that. Fingers crossed that all goes well for your husband

February 8
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I had to do the stem cell mobilization process more than once but I think I’m the exception not the rule. I was exhausted afterwards but I wouldn’t say I was in any pain

February 8
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hi Larry, may I ask what vein they chose for you?

February 9
MyMyelomaTeam

What is stem cell mobilization and why does it cause pain?

Stem cell mobilization uses medications like filgrastim (Neupogen) to push stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream so they can be collected. The injections themselves can cause discomfort at the injection site, but the main pain comes from what's Show Full Answer

What is stem cell mobilization and why does it cause pain?

Stem cell mobilization uses medications like filgrastim (Neupogen) to push stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream so they can be collected. The injections themselves can cause discomfort at the injection site, but the main pain comes from what's happening inside the bones.

As the medication draws stem cells out of the bone marrow, many people experience bone pain or achiness, particularly in the hips, lower back, and legs. This happens because the drug is stimulating the bone marrow to work overtime. Some describe it as a deep, dull ache or feeling like growing pains.

The pain typically peaks around days 3-5 of the injections and usually improves once the collection process is complete. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but your husband should check with his care team about what's safe to take. About multiple collection days:

Yes, it's common for stem cell collection to take more than one day. The process, called apheresis or electrophoresis, involves drawing blood through a catheter or port, separating out the stem cells, and returning the rest of the blood back to the body.

A MyMyelomaTeam member shared that their collection lasted a couple of days, noting that it differs from patient to patient and can take anywhere from one to three or more days depending on how many cells are collected each session.

The medical team monitors the cell count during collection and will continue until they've gathered enough stem cells for the transplant. This is completely normal and doesn't mean anything went wrong—everyone's body releases stem cells at different rates.

February 7

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