I am currently having immunotherapy with an infusion of Cuvitru drug once a week and so far the only side effects have been extremely fatigued and nausea once in awhile but I usually have a one to two hour nap every afternoon and feel rested enough to finish the day. It sure beats being sick in bed for a week out of every month like the chemo did to me. They are starting to use this method in place of chemo with less side effects.

Kathryn I am the same way with balance issues,mobility issues.neuropathy and was just diagnosed with the beginning of pancreatitis which explains my digestive issues but it’s just another bump in the road to adjust to. Everyone have a great week.

Like Mark was saying, oncologist use the standardized treatment protocols endorsed by the 3 major research hospitals. And it changes very rapidly. Dana Farber will soon be dropping SCT after induction and going directly into maintenance. Another is considering replacing SCT with Car T.
But all 3 still recommend maintenance. But many doctors choose to make and independent decision and not implement maintenance until any first signs of relapse.
I think maintenance is simply insurance and can you afford the damage or side effects. Revlimid is still the most prescribed maintenance because that damn poison works. But its hit or miss if you can tolerate it.
As for immunotherapy, as mentioned Darzalex is the new kid on the block. I used it for 5 months with no problems or side effects (just a crappy belly shot once a week, bi-weekly, then monthy) and was looking forward to this simple therapy once a month for 2 years.
Unfortunately I relapsed.
But this also proved without a lot of misery that immunotherapy does not work for me. But it does work well as advertised for many other.
So my opinion would be to try the Darzalex maintenance. If it works for you as Advertised its gonna be a wonder drug.
Good luck and I know you'll find your answer.
Mark

Kathy,
I took Daralex shots, once monthly it’s an immunotherapy drug, for one year after my SCT.

Even if we knew ahead of time about MM...etc., would we have done anything differently? Some of the healthiest people weren't
able to!
More and more I think, it's the luck of the draw, so play it the best we can ✊💛