Has anyone had an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant after D-VRd therapy?

@donna195, I added your question to the BMT support group as well.
- Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/car-t-cell-therapy/

Have you had the consult with the myeloma specialist yet? When will you complete treatment with Darzalex, Velcade, Revlimid and Dexamethasone? How are you doing?

@colleenyoung
Thank you for asking. I had started on Darzalex as a single drug treatment on March 17 at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. As soon as my treatment was completed , I received my PET scan results which confirmed I had progressed from SMM to MM. they ordered Revlimid and I had one more single Darzalex treatment before starting Cycle one on March 31, which is an 8 weekly treatment which ends May 19. Depending on how my levels drop at that time will determine next course of action. I see a Myeloma Specialist at Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute on April 3, to discuss planning for an autologous stem cell transplant.

My only reactions to date were from Darzalex as a facial rash within 18-24 hours of injection. Prednisone has successfully cleared the rash within 24-48 hrs. I had first dose of Lenolidamide/Revlimid yesterday morning at home and my ALT was slightly elevated so they decided to hold my daily dose until my next treatment on Tuesday April 7, to see if it goes back to normal. I sm tired but feel very blessed to be getting treatment that can get me into remission and than a stem cell transplant to get it even deeper, while we wait for a cure.

Hi @donna195
Having an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) using your own cells can be a means to having a longer remission with MM.
A discussion that came to mind that you might find helpful is this one from @jstpeachy. She’d posted several years ago about her experience with a ASCT and other members have jumped into the conversation sharing their journeys. Here’s the link:

My Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Journey - Mayo, Phoenix
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-autologous-stem-cell-transplant-journey-mayo-phoenix/
While your clinical experience at Penn state might be a little different in protocol, most of the actually stem cell process doesn’t vary much from clinic to clinic.

Do you have any specific questions?

Hi @donna195

In July 2024 I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma standard risk after blood tests and bone marrow biopsy was done. Thank God my cytogenetics were normal.

I went through induction with the 4 drug treatment- DVDT followed by mobilisation ( harvesting of my own healthy stem cells) and eventually autologous stem cell transplant in December 2024. I can only praise God for providing me with abundant stem cells to harvest and also a very speedy recovery process overall despite ups and downs in between. Keep resting and trusting the Lord for His restoration❤️. My church and family were always supporting me with prayers and scripture. That helped tremendously.

I consider myself blessed to be selected as a suitable candidate for home transplant so my recovery was very comfortable in my own home after the transplant was done in a few hours at the hospital.
Ever since 2 months starting treatment I was already in very good partial remission.

My PET scan results 3 mths after ASCT showed that my bone lesions have all metabolically resolved. Praise the Lord.
My bloodworks also confirmed that any abnormal lamda light chains and monoclonal bands previously present can no longer be seen.

I took velcade as maintenance for a year. Then stopped because I developed carpal tunnel syndrome and I do suspect velcade had a role to play. Thank God though that ever since wearing nightly wrist splints recommended by the Hand surgeon I no longer have these symptoms.

Don't give up and keep up the good spirit for your treatment ahead. Have a positive expectation of good in your healing journey! Speedy recovery!

@jcctsg Thank you so much for this inspiring uplifting message! I start my testing next week in preparation for ASCT at the completion of Cycle 4 . I have family, friends and neighbors who keep me in their prayers and it gives me strength every day. I have 3 cycles to go. I will keep you posted as I get closer to the retrieval date.