Karrie, mom is getting the finest induction therapy! The Quad Cocktail! Dex Dara Velcade and Revlimid. Next is the ASCT for her. I was just about 72 years old when I got it. And it worked! I’m a big believer in the bone marrow transplant.

You have to go through a lot of pre-testing before you are accepted. To me the toughest test was blowing your lungs out into a tube. Then your stem cells are harvested as you lay virtually motionless for seven hours and 6 million stem cells are frozen. Two or three days before that she gets self injected 2 needles of stem cell enhancing chemo like Ziexstenzo. Then the day before the 2 week stay Melphalan is administered that wipes out your immune system. The next day you’re in the hospital for 14 days of peaceful sublime relaxation (lol) while your hair falls out. During that time they pump back your frozen stem cells to reboot your system. Day 5, 6 and 7 are rough. I was lucky. Never was nauseous or vomited but dizzy and lightheaded with pure diarrhea. Finally, 100 days of recovery as you proceed into remission.

Don’t let any of this scare you or her. It is all worth it. I am 9 months post transplant and feel absolutely outstanding! No pain. Much stronger. Only effects are from Revlimid maintenance; occasional diarrhea and sometimes scaly skin. Sleepy eyes in the afternoon so naps are necessary.

Is mom in good shape? Not obese or any co-morbidities? Did her doctor recommend the ASCT?

Do it!