Lenalidomide

Hi @tbow. It’s understandable, after having gone through a autologous stem cell transplant (using your own cells) for Multiple myeloma, (MM). that you want to just ‘be done’ with it all. But your doctor would like you to take a maintenance medication to help prolong your remission and you’re reluctant to do so. Maybe this explanation will help.

You have a type of blood cancer which allows your body to produce too many plasma cells. As you’ve already discovered, this can create some nasty complications for you. To help rid your body of these cancer cells, your doctor recommended an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

This type of transplant is Not a cure for MM. But it can help keep you in remission from the disease longer. Some patients may require a second ASCT down the road. But the goal is to keep the MM damaged cells at a low count to minimize further damage to your body.

You had chemotherapy, after which you had a harvesting of your stem cells. Once those were set aside for later, you had chemotherapy to clear any remaining cancer cells from your body. Now, the ‘clean’ stem cells have been returned to your body where they will replenish your bone marrow and blood supplies.
The amount of MM damaged cells are at a minimum right now and that’s where your doctor wants to keep the level. By taking the Revlimid (Lenalidomide), you can help to minimize the re-proliferation of any of the MM damaged cells. This will help keep you in remission longer.

Certainly it is within your right as a patient to decline further treatment. Have you talked this over with your doctor?

@loribmt thank you so much for your explanation and information it is very helpful. I have spoken to my Doctor/haematologist, and she was not happy that I didn't want to agree with the Meditation, I am worried about the side effects although I know that it doesn't affect everyone I just wanted to be clear. Many thanks

Hi @tbow. Sometimes being aware of the logic behind a medication recommendation can a help with the decision making. From my understanding, Revlimid (Lenalidomide) as maintenance drug following an auto-transplant (ASCT), is pretty standard. Basically, this drug targets and kills myeloma cells.
As I described before, an auto transplant isn’t a cure for MM but it may help get you into remission or greatly reduce the Myeloma cells. Revlimid also enhances the function of the immune system to help immune cells recognize and destroy myeloma cells. This helps prevent new myeloma cell growth.

But your concern for potential side effects is certainly valid. Quality of life is important. Many people don’t have issues but you’d like to be able to weigh your options. That’s why I think it’s important to talk with your doctor about your concerns, such as, if you do have side effects what’s her alternative plan? You and your doctor are a team in your health care journey. You should be able to help make decisions regarding treatment. ☺️

Do you know if you reached complete remission post transplant? How long ago did you have your transplant?