Hi Kevin~~
I see that Mel has posted the article that she referred to in her message to me. As you can see from my response I did not comment at that time:
Yes Mel, I have read the article and I am worried about the information it contained, especially as I know of several people who are planning to have transplants. I'm still getting people to look at the article to clarify before I make any comment because I'd hate to get something wrong, but I agree - it was a worry.
I believed that this article needed interpretation before being discussed. I too am sorry that MMS took it upon herself to say the negative things which she did, and I agree with you that cancercompass should have edited this response, particularly because she did not know what she was actually responding to. Personally I can not follow the logic of her response to your following message, but I do believe that you have a lot of positive things going for your transplant. I have often felt disadvantaged because I am not eligible for a transplant, and from my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE the people that I know who have survived the longest have been people for whom transplant has worked!!! When I was first diagnosed I went to a seminar where there were several people who were 10 years post diagnosis -- they had all had transplants. I sat in the seminar, knowing that this was not an option for me, and hoping that someone, somewhere, would find something that would help me! I believe I have been very lucky, for these new 'novel' drugs ARE making a difference and I have already outlived my initial expiry date -- and the even better thing is that they are making a significant difference to newly diagnosed patients as well as to people undergoing transplants. We are in a terrific position at the moment, and I'm sure that if you contact the specialist myeloma centres in the US they will all recommend transplant for those eligible because they know how advantageous it really is!! Knowing you through this board, I know that you have done your research and know the facts and have made your decision accordingly. I hope that you can follow up Mel's article and clarify it for me -- perhaps together with Craig and Paul, others who I feel have the nounce to see things clearly. Perhaps you can even get an explaination from the people who will be preparing you for your transplant. I look forward to hearing from you soon! My best wishes to you, Cath