Sometimes Transplants Work, Sometimes They Don't

I will post about this weekend's second myeloma seminar speaker tomorrow. Tonight, I would like to share my thoughts as I reflect back on an eventful day. Late this morning I learned that a dear friend of mine, Barb Davis, may be facing a serious relapse from her multiple myeloma. Barb underwent a particularly difficult autologous stem cell transplant at the University of Minnesota Medical Center one year ago. As I recall, Barb had some adverse reactions to some of her medication. It was painful and debilitating for months. It was also joyous. Barb has been effectively in remission ever since: traveling, spending time with family and friends, enjoying life. Now, barring a mix-up with her blood tests, she has learned that her myeloma has returned. This evening I received a call from a personable gentleman named Jose from New Jersey. He volunteers as a counselor with the Cancer Care Help Line, calling newly diagnosed myeloma patients with a hopeful message. Jose still works full time as a grocery store manager in New York City, despite the fact that he was diagnosed with Stage IV multiple myeloma in the year 2000. He immediately underwent an autologous stem cell transplant, just like Barb. Eight years later, his myeloma may be slowly returning, but so far so good. I couldn't help but think about these two brave cancer survivors. I asked myself: Why did Barb's transplant only last one year while Jose, who was much more seriously ill at the time, undergo the same procedure but enjoy many more years of success? My understanding is the average autologous transplant works for about 18 months. But we all want to believe that we will be the exception... That our transplant, or chemotherapy, or remission will work better or last longer than expected. 18 months is an average. That means half of the patients will stay in remission for longer than 18 months, but one half of the patients won't. I pray that some way, some how, there was a mistake with Barb's monoclonal protein test. But even if there wasn't an error, I have faith that she can find another way to hang on and continue to actively live her life with joy and love.
I hope that all of you can feel good and keep smiling! Pat