I am new to this site. My husband was diagnosed in January, 2003 but he was only being monitored until 3 weeks ago when he had an MRI and received a phone call from the oncologist that the mm had progressed and he needed to start chemo in preparation for a stem cell transplant. Ironically enough my father was diagnosed in November, 2002 and at age 81 passed away in February. My best friend was diagnosed last year and she underwent a stem cell transplant in February of this year. I feel like I'm a jinx at times because everyone close to me ends up getting multiple myeloma. My husband is on Velcade weekly w/Decadron the day of chemo and the day following for 12-16 weeks. It will be followed by a stem cell transplant. The doctor also wants him to have another round of chemo with a tandem stem cell transplant. My husband has other health issues that compromise his immune system such as asthma and COPD. Last year he was hospitalized with pneumonia three times and the year before twice. Has anyone had a similar situation as far as a compromised immune system and also undergoing a stem cell transplant? Any help you could give would be very much appreciated. Thank you.