Vaccinations Post-Transplant: Patient Experiences

Name: Vaccinations Post-Transplant: Patient Experiences
Start: 2022-02-03T13:00:00-05:00
End: 2022-02-03T14:00:00-05:00

Feb 03, 2022

01:00PM - 02:00PM EST

Online Event

Overview

After your stem cell transplant, your new immune system will need to be re-vaccinated. Childhood vaccines, the flu vaccine, and now the COVID vaccine could be recommended and administered to you. However, the vaccinations (including the type, timing and order) can vary from clinic to clinic and it's often stressful knowing what to expect. Join a group of veteran patients who have been through their vaccinations post-transplant in order to better understand what you can expect as a part of your re-vaccination experience.

Agenda

01:00 PM

Introduction

Audrey Burton-Bethke

Audrey introduces the agenda of the event and featured speakers Nancy, Douglas and Robert.

01:05 PM

Nancy's Experience

Nancy Colvin

Nancy tells us the story about her re-vaccination experience.

01:15 PM

Doug's Experience

Douglas Keller

Douglas tells us the story about his re-vaccination experience.

01:25 PM

Robert's Experience

Robert Hariston

Robert tells us the story about his re-vaccination experience.

01:35 PM

Group Discussion / Q&A

Audience

Type your questions in the chat and we will answer them!

Speakers & Moderators

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.

Douglas Keller

I was diagnosed in 2012 after I fell at my son's college graduation and broke my arm, which had a plasmacytoma in it. After radiation and induction therapy I had a stem cell transplant in 2013. Subsequently I was on various combinations of Revlimid, Elotuzumab, Daratumumab, Pomalyst, Kyprolis, and dexamethasone. I tried a clinical trial that was not successful for me and then had another SCT in 2020. I now feel very good and am on Pomalyst/dexamethasone maintenance. I worked for 22 years in pharmaceutical research and was involved in the development of Sarclisa, which was personally very satisfying. I retired in January 2021. My wife is happy to have me doing things around the house and showing less stress. She has been a rock of support during this whole process, and my two sons are also very supportive. My quality of life is very good, and I have been enjoying getting back on the golf course now that I have time to play. I am also informally mentoring two friends who have smoldering myeloma.

Robert Hariston

I am a retired supply chain professional with expertise in the areas of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Systems, Department of Energy Nuclear Materials Facilities and Major Healthcare Systems. I hold a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS from Elmira College. I have 5 adult children and 4 grandchildren. In December of 2019, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Since undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant in February of 2021, I have been in total remission. In addition to the fine staffs at Tennessee Oncology and Sarah Cannon Cancer Research Center, I owe my life to my Caregiver, my wife of 34 years, Pat.

Nancy Colvin

On April 13, 2020, I received my official Multiple Myeloma diagnosis following routine bloodwork. I had just turned 41. While the diagnosis seemed to have come from nowhere, in retrospect I had been feeling "off" for some time. I had attributed most of that caring for my father, who was fighting glioblastoma, along with the stresses of the pandemic and everyday life as a mother of a young child. I had IGG Kappa myeloma and was fortunately diagnosed at Stage 1. I had hypercalcemia, was slightly anemic and had some kidney damage. I had a stem cell transplant in August and am currently in VGPR.