They like to do the transplants when the counts are as low as they can get them. I am assuming the reason as being that there is less bad cells to have to kill off and the chance of remission is better. If the levels go up they will have to bring them down again before transplant. This could involve more than having oral chemo. It can involve some major IV chemo that is very hard to go through. Talk to your doctor and get himher to explain what they are doing and why. I pray that it all goes great for you and that remission is right around the corner. Hugs.

Thanks for your reply, it makes alot of sense, I quess I'm just alittle nervous about the transplant. Once again Thank you.

13 months since my Autologous stem cell transplant.
13 months without chemo.
(monthly infusions of bisphosphonates)
My choice of going ahead with the transplant instead of maintainance chemo was to have bortezomib which worked very well for me in the toolbox for later use.
During the period where I was neutropenic an infection did wipe out most of my sense of smell, the velcade prior to the transplant process gave me a bit of peripheral neuropathy, and my hair came back as curly as Harpo Marx.
I would probably do the same thing over again.
It took me a couple of months to wrap my mind around doing the transplant when the idea was presented.

Tom

Thanks for your reply, tomorrow I see the Dr's , I'm sure they will want me to decide which way I want to proceed. Thanks for your reply and input !! I guess I'll know what to do when the time comes. Thanks again. Dave

what did you decide to do - transplant now or later?

my Dr put me on 10 mg of revlimid after velcade/revlimid/dex put me in remission - - was left with very bad peripheral neuropathy from the velcade or dex - they harvested the cells, and I just take the revlimid with no side effects -
This is since last November, and I see Dr every 6 weeks to check blood - so far, so good
im very afraid of transplant, and hope this lasts a long time
did you have the transplant?

They ( we ) have started the prep for stem cell transplant. High dose chemo, and all the meds that go along with it. Its planned for the three week in August. Wish me luck!!!!!

Yes, here is wishing you lots of luck! I am scheduled for a consult about the autologous transplant after 2 more rounds of IV chemo (about 2 more months). I am told that my age is borderline (69) - and I'm a little afraid of the "wiping out of the immune system" I would love to talk to people who have had the transplant

I will post after i have had the transplant, they say i might be alittle down and out for alittle bit, but when I'm up to it I will post a message.Thanks for the luck wish.

I feel that if my Dad would have had a transplant early on while he was still strong...then he would have many more years left with us. If you are in your early stages than I would highly recommend doing it ASAP. After seeing all that my Dad has been through during these final few weeks, I strongly urge anyone to go ahead and just do it. I'll be praying for all of you.

Well I finally made it thru the hd chemo and the stem cell transplant,The second chemo on the 23 of august and the stem cell transplant on the 25th of august. A couple days later I was admitted back into the hostipal for some troublesome stomach {GI} tract problems which lasted about a week,was discharged on the 3th of sept and have been home since . Had some eating issues but it seems like its getting better each day . Right now I'm trying to increase my stamina , each day seems its getting alittle better. The DR seems to think I should be able to go back to work in a couple weeks, w'll see if my strenght is up to it? I want to THANK everyone that sent well wishes and prayers, it is truly appreciated. DAVE ( poppies424)

So now you are growing all new marrow and a blood supply and need to eat well. Greens with every meal, watermelon , beans, and meat for iron . Walk for exercise to build up some stamina, sleep as much as you need and don't push yourself to exhaustion. Continue your anti virals as your doctor directs and follow the immunization schedule about a year from now. If you are scheduled for pentamadine lung treatments make sure you do them. Keep your lungs clean- no smoking (anything) and stay out of dust and smoke as you are still more prone to infection.
Good luck
Tom

Thanks, Sounds like some pretty good advice. Every day seems alittle better. Thanks again and will take your advice. Dave