That’s great news that your worry level has gone down; we all know what you’re going through. As Cygnet says, keep positive and remember there are lots of stories on here (like mine) with really good outcomes.

Thinking of you

Keith x

Hi Rosie,

Did you see your Doctor yesterday and what was the result?

Hope it was good news.

Keith

A key part of the SCT process (in many cases) is a high dose of chemotherapy (in my case Melphalan) and its this that kills off the cancer cells in the bone marrow. Unfortunately, this chemo also has a major effect on the entire digestive and immune systems and its this that can have a major effect on a person and take quite a while to climb out…[Read more]

Dear Lynda,

We are all here for you and know exactly what you’re going through. This initial period is the worst because you have no facts and your mind is running wild. Once you have some more details from the consultant you’ll know what your dealing with and hopefully you’ll cope better with that knowledge.

When my wife and I heard the words…[Read more]

Hi Johnny

By the end of my 6th cycle my paraproteins were down from 57 at diagnosis to just 2. My consultant told me that SCT would give me a much greater chance of longer remission so for me, it was a no-brainer.

My stem cell collection went very well as other was only in for one day. I think a week or so later I had my huge dose of Melphalan…[Read more]

Hi Cygnet,

Your post brought back my memories of being told I had Myeloma in July 2013. You’ll find many posts on the forum that will scare you (well, they did me) but the one running theme is that everyone is different. Don’t focus on the scary stories but take heart from the positive ones.

When diagnosed, my only symptoms were pins and…[Read more]

Just to throw in my tuppence worth. My first BMB at the Royal Surrey was during my diagnosis stage and was quite uncomfortable (6/10). When I needed a second one there I asked about sedation and was told they “wouldn’t recommend it” which, to be honest sounded more as a convenience to them than a help to me. They suggested I get a tablet from…[Read more]

Hi Nikki,

So sorry you’ve found yourself in need of this website but this is the best place for information. Just remember that everyone is different and your journey will be unique to you but as you progress you will find the people on here who can help you most.

You say that your Myeloma is in your spine but it’s actually in your bone marrow,…[Read more]

Just to say that last August I was diagnosed with stage 2 MM and 2 weeks ago, after CDT drugs and a stem cell transplant, was told I am in complete remission. I soon stopped reading all the scary stuff on the Internet and just focused on getting through the treatment. Yes, I had the occasional tough day but looking back now I feel I have just…[Read more]

Good luck with your next blood test David, let us know how you get on. My next test is July 23rd.

All the best,

Keith

I am quite a newbie to the forum relatively speaking but I have to say that I have found the information invaluable and the responses to my posts supportive, helpful and very friendly. I think in all forums you need to expect some direct/sharp replies but that’s partly why you post I think.

Love you all.

Keith

Like Julie, I had no infections or sepsis Nicki. They did find an infection marker in one blood test whilst I was in hospital but they instantly put me on antibiotics which god rid of it before it developed into anything.

I have to say, my whole SCT experience was very uneventful, I didn’t event feel much nausea. I counted myself very fortunate…[Read more]

My consultant wouldn’t put a number on the benefits of SCT other than to say that evidence showed a definite increase in remission time. That was good enough for me, I’m not sure that specific numbers have any real meaning as it’s all a bit of a guessing game being that we’re all different.

As for Melphalan dosage, if I remember correctly, I had…[Read more]

Hi Nicki,

After my SCT in April I had 2 days of feeling absolutely fabulous. Then the Melphalan kicked in and over the next 3 days I started to feel fairly grotty and was ready to be admitted to hospital. I continued to feel a bit worse day by day for the next 3-4 days but then started the big climb out.

I would say I finally started to feel…[Read more]

Oops. Just realised my post yesterday said “day 40” when it should have said 50. I’ve changed it now. Obviously my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders yet :))

So, on day 50 after STC I realise that the past week I have finally climbed out of most side effects. Appetite is back, taste is back, finger/toe nails are growing with a vengeance, some facial hair is starting to grow back. Physically I can do more but still have big limitations of strength and stamina but I’m sure this will improve with time…[Read more]

Well, that’s kind of you to say. To be honest, I bought the Stag in December 2013 as I knew I needed a focus to get to the other side of my treatment and it seems to have done the trick.

I wasn’t aware that Ace Cafe did car events but I’ve just seen that they have a Triumph event in June. It’s a bit of a hike from Hampshire but I might just…[Read more]

No “S” on my chest Mike I’m afraid, at times I felt like a complete wimp. I feel very fortunate that I’ve climbed out of SCT so relatively quickly and perfect timing to take the Stag out in this perfect weather. She’s just been through a lot as well ….. full re spray, new engine and various bits, I love her !

Keith