The Big Decision: Whether or Not to Have an SCT
One of the biggest decisions that you will make in your myeloma journey is whether or not to have a stem cell transplant. Join us as we hear from two patients, one who opted to have a transplant and the other who opted out of the process. There isn't one right way to treat myeloma, and it's a personal decision to make with the help of your medical team.
Don Bathurst
Don Bathurst was diagnosed on January 8, 2018. After six rounds of VRd, and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in August 2018 he has achieved CR and sCR (depending on light chains) since November 2018. Since his retirement, he has focused my attention on his own health and ways that he can help others on their journey with this (chronic) disease, serving as a coach with the Myeloma Crowd. He also keeps his hand in professional activities as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, serving on the editorial board of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, where he is a Fellow, and serving as vice president of finance for the National Fire Heritage Center.
Steve Reinhard
“I’m intrigued with personalized medicine, matching treatments to the person's genetics, age, health, gender, race, and different tests and assays being developed and how they are best utilized for diagnosis, treatment, trends and predicting relapse.” Steve became incredibly confused when 2 prominent specialists, told him "Don't let anyone talk you out of having a stemcell transplant", and "don't let anyone talk you into having a stemcell transplant ".
Audrey Burton-Bethke
Audrey joined the HealthTree Foundation as the Myeloma Community Program Director in 2020. While not knowing much about myeloma at the start, she has since worked hard to educate herself, empathize and learn from others' experiences. She loves this job. Audrey is passionate about serving others, loves learning, and enjoys a nice mug of hot chocolate no matter the weather.