My husband is scheduled to begin his SCT on August 13. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to minimize the side effects of the high dose chemo and also the Neupogen that he will have to take before the collecting process of the stem cells?
We are not sure what we are really facing, just know what we have read and been told by medical personnel, but not by someone who has experienced it as a patient or a caregiver and would appreciate your comments.
In our experience, the chemotherapy given before the stem cell collection is usually well tolerated. However, the neupogen may cause bone pains. Ibuprofen at 600 mg twice a day is usually very effective for these bone pains.
Take care,
Chat Moderator
Myeloma Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute
Hi, My husband just completed his second stem cell transplant May 8th. His journey (at least for the first transplant) is featured on the Huntsman website and you can certainly read about his journey there. The whole process is certainly not a vacation, but well worth the efforts. Kim is feeling good, eating well and we are planning a future again. Every patient has their own little side effect issues and to different degrees, but similar to many other patients. You do not need to go this road alone!
Where are you being treated? We went to HCI and live about an hour away. There are other MM patients, caregivers, staff, etc. who are wonderful and pretty much always available. I am more than happy to talk to you via email or via phone. We had emotionally support from other patients on our journey and it made and is still making a world of difference.
