Preparing for a bone marrow transplant

There are several things you must and may have to do before receiving a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, including:

• Undergo evaluations to identify and address any problems that could interfere with the procedure.
• Meet with your doctor and care coordinator to go over your pre-transplant testing results, discuss your questions and/or concerns and fill out paperwork.
• Go through a process to increase the number of stem cells in your bone marrow and then collect them for your autologous transplant. For an allogeneic transplant, your donor will go through that process.
• Speak to social workers and/or psychologists if you need support or help coping with social, emotional, family and/or financial issues.
• Find a care partner, such as a family member of friend, who will help you throughout your treatment. He or she will need to come with you to your appointments, call and talk to your doctor or nurse for you if needed and help you at home after your transplant.

For an autologous transplant: You will undergo the procedure after about a week of rest following the collection of your stem cells.

For an allogeneic transplant: You will undergo a pre-transplant preparative regiment while your matched donor has his or her stem cells collected. Your transplant will occur shortly afterward, often on the same day.

After your stem cell/bone marrow transplant: New blood cells should begin growing in your body. This process, called engraftment, generally takes two to four weeks, and you will be hospitalized throughout it so that experts can monitor your progress and watch for signs of infection.

After engraftment: When your body has grown enough new blood cells and you’re able to take oral medications, you’ll likely be able to leave the hospital and receive your care as an outpatient. During this stage, you'll need to:

• Closely follow guidelines to reduce the risk of life-threatening infections and other complications.
• Take all of your medications exactly as prescribed.
• Eat healthfully and follow your medical team’s instructions for safe eating and food handling. This will help you reduce your infection risk and regain your strength.
• Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms or signs of infection.