Eight years of remission is a remarkable achievement — that's something worth celebrating! It's completely understandable to feel anxious about stopping a treatment that has worked so well for so long. That feeling of it being a "safety net" is very real and shared by many.
Here are some things worth considering and Show Full Answer
Eight years of remission is a remarkable achievement — that's something worth celebrating! It's completely understandable to feel anxious about stopping a treatment that has worked so well for so long. That feeling of it being a "safety net" is very real and shared by many.
Here are some things worth considering and discussing with your oncologist: - Long-term side effects — Extended use of Revlimid can carry risks, including potential bone complications and other side effects that may build up over time
- Your current myeloma markers — Ask your oncologist exactly which test results or indicators are driving this recommendation
- What comes next — There are many treatment options available if myeloma were to show activity again, so stopping doesn't mean being left unprotected
- Monitoring plan — Ask how frequently you'll be checked after stopping, so you feel reassured
Ultimately, this is your decision to make in partnership with your care team. It's completely reasonable to ask your oncologist to walk you through the specific reasons, risks, and what the monitoring plan would look like going forward. A second opinion from another myeloma specialist is also always an option if you're feeling uncertain.
July 16