harvest SC early, save for later transplant

Hi Everyone,

Have any of you had your stem cells harvested after getting into remission or near remission after induction therapy and then saved them to use at a later date.    This is something I'm considering.

Have you found that insurance companies are open to this approach?

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dotty in E. TX

Dotty,

I did not do this but many people do.  Some insurance companies will pay for it and some won't -- you need to check with yours.  If it won't pay for the separate harvest (mine wouldn't) there is a way around it:  go through the paperwork/approval for the full transplant.  Then, after you have the harvest you "decide" to postpone the transplant.

Good luck,

Janet

 Thanks for your comments, Janet.   With use of some of the newer drugs,  I wonder if this will become more common in the future.

:)Dotty

On 9/8/2009 IdaDome wrote:

Dotty,

I did not do this but many people do.  Some insurance companies will pay for it and some won't -- you need to check with yours.  If it won't pay for the separate harvest (mine wouldn't) there is a way around it:  go through the paperwork/approval for the full transplant.  Then, after you have the harvest you "decide" to postpone the transplant.

Good luck,

Janet

Hi Dotty

I had my stems cells harvested after my transplant, now if I ever need them they are there. My insurance paid without a problem.

Hope this helps.

Brenda from PA

I went into complete remission with induction chemo and did continue on schedule with my tandem transplant.  My first transplant was 3 weeks following my stem cell harvest of 28M stem cells.  I had my second transplant 3 months later.  I've been in complete remission since induction.  The Huntsman and the University of Ark do not believe in waiting for the MM to return.

Best of luck

Doug

Hi Dotty

They thought they were going to have to do this with me as I was stage one and the insurance co would not pay unless I was stafe two or above. It turned out that with the fx in my spine I was stage two and all proceeded as planned!  Gayle

On 9/8/2009 djs45 wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Have any of you had your stem cells harvested after getting into remission or near remission after induction therapy and then saved them to use at a later date.    This is something I'm considering.

Have you found that insurance companies are open to this approach?

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dotty in E. TX

we live in sydney australia and my husband was diagnosed at 65 and is now 70 after having chemo  and only good for 5 months he had a stem cell transplant 20 months ago  they also collected enough for another 3. (having said that i think they only do 2 transplants i will certainly donate the others for research)he is so well he has a blood test every 3 months. other than that life goes on as usual. it seems to us its a better cancer to get from our way of thinking.  the mmrf is doing so much for people who have this disease .by the way it cost us nothing( i am so relieved i dont live in america) i wish you all the best for the future  carol f.

 

 

Hi Dotty,

Im sorry, just now checked the site so wasn't able to saw your post. Anyway, what your asking is what excatly happened to me. I had my Stem cell harvest and later use for transplant (if require) as per my doctor recommendation. And keep in praying that this will be store in the hospital for life! hahaha....Thanks GOD coz until now im feeling good.

Diagnosed : Feb 2008

Stem Cell Harvest : Dec 2008

Maintenance Medication : 200mg Thalidmide & Zometa/montly