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A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
South Jordan, UT

My MM diagnosis came after a blood test revealed that I was in Stage 5 kidney failure in March 2024. I have been through a series of drug treatments and had an autologous stem cell transplant in August 2024. Due to poor kidney function, I started peritoneal dialysis in December 2024. Since Sept 2024 I have been on a revlimid + daratumamab drug maintenance routine that is apparently keeping me in an immunocompromised condition that has prevented be from getting re-immunized. I have talked to a… read more

May 19
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Trust your kidney transplant doctor. The risk of infection or rejection may be high with your immune system comprised by treatment. MM patients die from infections and/or kidney failure. Many find their kidneys improve with treatment. If yours are not, I’m not sure transplant will give you more time. Just my 2 cents worth.
Paula🌹

May 20
MyMyelomaTeam

What a complex and genuinely tough crossroads to be navigating — and it's clear you're approaching it thoughtfully. While there isn't a simple universal answer, here's what is generally understood about this situation.

The tension between your oncologist and transplant doctor is actually quite common in myeloma-related Show Full Answer

What a complex and genuinely tough crossroads to be navigating — and it's clear you're approaching it thoughtfully. While there isn't a simple universal answer, here's what is generally understood about this situation.

The tension between your oncologist and transplant doctor is actually quite common in myeloma-related kidney failure cases. Both are right from within their own specialties, which is exactly what makes this so difficult. A few things worth knowing and discussing further with your care team:

- Kidney transplants in myeloma patients are generally considered more viable when myeloma is in sustained remission — which you are in, which is genuinely encouraging
- Immunosuppression after a kidney transplant is required to prevent rejection, which adds complexity when you're already immunocompromised from Revlimid and daratumumab
- Revlimid (lenalidomide) can affect kidney function, so continuing it long-term while on dialysis is a real balancing act
- IVIG infusions are a recognized tool for supporting immune function in immunocompromised myeloma patients, so that's a positive step already in place Some MyMyelomaTeam members have shared that a multidisciplinary approach — bringing together oncology, nephrology, and urology — produced meaningful results for them. Getting your oncologist and transplant doctor in the same conversation (even virtually) could help resolve the conflicting guidance you're receiving.

It may also be worth asking your oncologist specifically whether a modified or shorter maintenance plan could be considered given your kidney situation, and what the relapse risk would be. Ultimately, the decision hinges on a few personal priorities worth reflecting on:

- How well are you tolerating dialysis day-to-day?
- How significant is the impact of your out-of-range blood results on your quality of life?
- What does "remission" specifically mean in your case — and how durable is it likely to be?

There's no universally "right" answer here, but pushing for a joint conversation between your specialists is a very reasonable next step. You deserve a coordinated plan, not two doctors pointing in opposite directions.

May 19

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