45 days post SCT

Just thought I'd check with the board to see what you think about the following:  Went to a Post SCT checkup yesterday and one of the questions I had asked was whether or not I'd be going back on the Zometa, Rev, Dex Cocktail.  My Onc said that the jury was still out on if that was a good thing or not.  We would wait and see where I was at 100 days to determine if I needed to go back on it. I was wondering from those that go to Arkansas what is the norm after SCT from their treatment regiments.  

Carlos

Congrats Carlos!  Keep getting strong and keep asking the good questions.  Yes, Arkansas does use a maintenance program but the combination of drugs depends on the patient I would think.  They also use Aredia for two years on their patients if I'm not mistaken.  I wasn't treated at Arkansas, but the Huntsman follows basicallt the same format with their tandem progam since those doctors all came from Arkansas.  If you visit the FAQ section of the Arkansas MM site, you'll find a question about maintenance and what Dr. Barlogie thinks about it.  Bottom line, he feels it's critical. 

Stay loose

Doug

Good Evening Carlos;

One of the questions I had asked was whether or not I'd be going back on the Zometa, Rev, Dex Cocktail.  My Onc said that the jury was still out on if that was a good thing or not.  We would wait and see where I was at 100 days to determine if I needed to go back on it.

My MM doc told me that there's still beneficial progress happening within your body even though the SCT is complete. That up to approx 100 days trace amounts of chemo and the new cells are scrubbing up any leftover minute amounts  of MM.

I was wondering from those that go to Arkansas what is the norm after SCT from their treatment regiments.  

I had mine in Philadelphia, and it's hard to argue with Dr. Barlogie's success, in addition to my belief that you don't want to give this disease any chance to catch its breath, Why not have your spike and IG's tested in the next week or two and see where you stand. If the numbers come back higher than you want, have maintenance chemo initiated.

I'm glad to hear all went well and you're back providing us with your experience!

Take care;

Kevin