Anyone experience failed stem cell collection after D-PACE chemo?

Good morning, @logsohio, From what I understand, chemo, even a lower, modified program, can have a damaging effect on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in bone marrow. It can take longer in some patients for cells to regenerate, especially if there is already some underlying bone marrow disease. You haven’t mentioned the type of blood cancer your husband is being treated for but I’m thinking it might be MM? Has he had other treatments before the D-PACE Chemo? Will he be having an autologous stem cell transplant when he is able to harvest cells?

Good morning and thanks for your reply.
Yes, he has Multiple Myeloma. His first treatment was Velcade and Dexamethasone, the insurance company denied Daratumumab. He had a reaction to the Velcade so that was discontinued and he had two rounds of modified D-PACE. The first round showed great improvement in his MM numbers, the second round did not. The Doctor went back to the insurance company and ultimately got Daratumumab approved. He is doing really well with the Dara and Dex treatments. They were stopped several weeks before SC collection was attempted for an autologous transplant. He is back on that treatment, every other week for now but we were told that will be, at some point, cut to once a month. He is doing well right now but of course he is not in remission.

Not being able to go ahead with the transplant had to be a little frustrating for your husband. But the good news is that he’s in a positive holding pattern and the meds are still working for him. Slowly his stem cells should regenerate and he’ll get another try at collection.

There are quite a few members in Connect who have had auto-stem cell transplants for their MM or other conditions where they could use their own cells. I had a different blood cancer where I needed to use a donor’s cells. The tranplants share some of the same protocols however. If you and your husband have any questions about the transplant process don’t hesitate to ask!
Do you live near the facility where the transplant will take place or would you need be relocate for the procedure?

Thanks for the support, words of encouragement.
How are you doing now? I know the SCT is a rough procedure but many people have said they are doing much better afterwards.
We have to drive an hour to get to the hospital where the procedure will be done, and where his doctor is. There is cancer center 10 minutes from home where he gets some of his infusions. We will need to be away from home for a month, at least, whenever he can get the transplant.

Hi @logsohio, You’re right, the SCT process isn’t a ‘walk on the beach’ but it is worth the effort! Your husband will be having an autologous transplant with his own cells so his recovery time will be much less than if he was using donor cells. Thank you for asking…I had an allogenic transplant with unrelated donor cells and that is a bit more complicated. But, I’m coming up on my 5th re-birth day the end of June, cancer free and feel as though nothing ever happened. ☺️ I just turned 70, feel like I’m in my 20s…and I’d do it again in a heartbeat if needed. So that’s why I’m here to offer encouragement and hope to others going through the bone marrow transplant process.
I hope your husband starts churning out those much needed stem cells so he can get on with the show! When you’re ready I have lots of info for you about what to pack for a lengthy stay, sanitation for when he returns home and how to stay healthy. Just let me know! I’m here anytime…

Wow, that's terrific! Congratulations!
My husband is very reluctant and was actually relieved that he didn't have to go through the "near death" experience. I on the other hand have very mixed emotions. I'm thrilled that he is doing so well but... I would like him to be able to get into deep remission. We are both taking it day by day, enjoying how well he's doing now and trying not to worry about tomorrow. It's out of our hands anyway.
Thanks again for the support and I will reach out to you for advice when/if the time comes.