That's a lot to process, especially after 13 years! It's worth having a deeper conversation with your specialist to fully understand what they mean in your specific case, but here's some helpful context.
In myeloma, remission means treatment has reduced cancer to levels where it no longer shows up on tests. There are two Show Full Answer
That's a lot to process, especially after 13 years! It's worth having a deeper conversation with your specialist to fully understand what they mean in your specific case, but here's some helpful context.
In myeloma, remission means treatment has reduced cancer to levels where it no longer shows up on tests. There are two types:
- Partial remission — Some cancer cells remain, but the disease is less active and symptoms improve
- Complete remission — No cancer is detected in blood tests or imaging, though tiny amounts may still exist
"Successful" treatment doesn't always mean complete remission was achieved. It may mean the transplant controlled the disease well enough to keep it stable for a long period. Even without full remission, many people live well for many years after a bone marrow transplant. Research shows that people who respond well long-term after transplant often benefited from maintenance therapy afterward, like lenalidomide.
The most important next step is asking your doctor specifically what markers or test results led to this conclusion, and what it means for your treatment plan going forward. Don't hesitate to ask for clarity — you deserve a full picture!
October 3
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