Anyone had stem cell harvest canceled because of heart complications?

Hi Chris. Sorry to hear there’s been a delay in your ASCT (autologous stem cell transplant). Even when using your own cells for this procedure, the stem cell transplant process can be very taxing on the body. There is pre-testing immediately before the ASCT for this very reason, to rule out any potential complications which could exacerbated by the conditioning chemo or portions of the process.

It may be a possibility that the heart related issue will be evaluated, ruled out as a complication or, corrected and the stem cell transplant attempted at a future time.
Have you been referred to a cardiologist for evaluation?

Both myself and the BMT team met with my cardiologists (electrophysio and regular cardiologists) and I was approved to start the harvest. I was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) three years ago, but have had two heart ablations and was doing really well so I thought I was past this heart stuff. I received my first shots for the stem cell process last Friday. However, I ended up in the hospital over the weekend with a heart rate in the high 180's and an extremely high BP (my resting heart rate is 53, so I was very scared). The on call oncologist stopped the harvest process, and said I would need to be admitted to the hospital if I am approved to go forward with another harvest. I will need to complete my 4th round of chemo/immunotherapy to ensure my numbers are still okay. I was so disappointed when they canceled the harvest as I looked at this as my potential "miracle" in beating my multiple myeloma. I was diagnosed in September, 2025. I'm still hoping I can go forward with getting my stem cells harvested as I will most likely need them in the future. Has anyone else got through this?

@chriswhpple, That’s so disappointing for you, Chris. I’m so sorry to hear there’s a delay. Even though you were checked out beforehand our bodies can react to medications with unpredictable outcomes, which may be your case. I’ve known other patients who have had delays for one reason or another and have been able to complete their transplants. So don’t lose hope!

It sounds like there’s a break for now but that your ASCT (autologous stem cell transplant) isn’t canceled for good and that there is a plan going forward for a future harvest. Instead of outpatient, your doctor will have you admitted for the time surrounding the cell harvesting so you will be monitored daily. That’s more comfortable than you going home, dreading a repeat of the emergency trip to the hospital.

Perhaps after your next round of chemo your doctors will give you the go ahead for another attempt. I can sure appreciate how unsettling this is for you so I hope there is a resolution soon so that you can get on with the transplant business!

How well have you been tolerating your chemo cycles?