Happy New Year everyone! Given the concerns and thoughts about Stem Cell Tranplants I thought I’d set out my own ‘story’ in case anybody finds it helpful. Context is that I’m a 64yo White Male, diagnosed with Myeloma in Spring 2022 and, following 4 cycles of DVDT induction, had my SCT on 28th Oct. I’d prepared myself for a fairly unpleasant experience based on others’ accounts but had steeled myself that regardless of how bad it might prove, the long term benefits would definitely outweigh any short term unpleasantness. I still firmly believe this. Having said that, it’s clear in retrospect that I escaped the worst consequences of the Melphalan dose taken the day before the transplant and had a comparatively easy ride…..
Watching the Melphalan going in was a bit daunting, but the mood was definitely lifted 24hrs later when I watched all those lovely, clean stem cells pouring back into my PICC line! After that, it was just a question of waiting, and waiting, for the chemo to take effect. As I said, I was very, very fortunate… I’d sucked about a dozen ice pops during the Melphalan dose to reduce its impact on my mouth and throat and, a mild soreness and a single mouth ulcer aside, I had no significant consequences from this aspect. Although I didn’t feel exactly 100 percent in the week following the SCT I had no obvious side effects (slight loss of appetite aside) until about day 8 when mild diarrhoea set in. No nausea/vomiting though, as I was already taking anti-emetics and the diarrhoea was kept under some sort of control with medication. On about day 9 or 10 I started to lose facial and body hair but throughout the entire period I never felt worse than a bit ‘under the weather’. Although I couldn’t settle down to read, I didn’t feel bored (even with very restrictive visiting hours), and (immediate family aside) I shut myself off from the distraction of messages on social media, asking all contacts to direct queries/wishes etc etc via my wife. Others, of course, will want to do exactly the opposite for entirely valid, personal reasons. I felt safe and secure in my (air locked) room and the nursing team were highly professional and helpful. I was declared ready for discharge on 11th November but, as my wife had contracted Covid, couldn’t go home until 14th November. I’m now nearing the end of 2 cycles of DVDT ‘consolidation’ before going onto Lenalidomide maintenance after a forthcoming prostatectomy (but that’s another story!). I have a bone marrow biopsy in a fortnight to determine the exact level of success of the SCT.
So that’s my story – I wanted to set it out because I wanted people to know that the SCT path isn’t necessarily one of misery and pain; I was one of the fortunate ones and I acknowledge that there are many others who have had (or will have) a worse time of it. Nevertheless, I remain convinced that no matter how tough the SCT might prove, it’s worth it. Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Nick
