Multiple Myeloma Chromsome Help

Last Updated on Monday, 17 August 2009 01:52 Monday, 17 August 2009 01:30

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A CALL FOR YOUR HELP! 

All,

My name is Andy Smith and I am writing this email on behalf of my uncle. My uncle was diagnosed with Stage III Multiple Myeloma back in March and he has not only a deletion of Chromosome 13 but also the trans-location of Chromosomes 4/14. My uncle is in his 50's and is getting ready for his 5th cycle Revlamid,Velcade, Dexamethasone, and Doxil. His main Oncologist is Doctor Andrzej Jozef Jakubowiak from the University of Michigan Medical Center. My uncles doctor wants to have him do a Stem Cell Transplant using his own Stem Cells. My uncle was going to get his SCT done at the University of Michigan Medical Center but they would not accept his insurance for that treatment there.

My uncle was refered to another doctor named Voravit Ratanatharathorn from the Karmanos Cancer Institute. My uncle is confused because this new doctor wants to use the bone marrow from my uncles siblings vs. his own which has a longer recovery rate and may be more risky from what I understand.

Why would a doctor choose to use a siblings bone marrow vs. his own?

The next issue at hand is the Chromosome 4/14 Trans-Location. I understand that the treatment may be less effective because of the Chromosome issues, but why is it that some doctors don't recommend the SCT when 4/14 is presnet when some do? Is this purly based on age and how far along the patient is or is there something else weighing in on the matter?

Anyone think its better for my uncle do do maint Chemo vs. a Stem Cell Transplant?

Has anyone ever been to Karmanos Cancer Institute or had Voravit Ratanatharathorn as a doctor and how was the experience?

With this information answered my uncle would feel more comfortable making his decisions.

Thanks,

Andy

If you can answer any of my questions please do so here!