Experience With Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

Hi,

My husband is scheduled to be admitted to the hospital jan. 7th get two days of high dose melphalan, a day of rest and receive his transplant jan. 10. I am very nervous. The transplant docs are telling us 3 weeks after transplant in hospital, mouth sores, etc. etc..

Has anyone had a pretty good experience?

Thanks,

Carolynn

Hi  Carolyn,  I just had a stem cell transplant in  april.  It,s not as bad as it sounds, if he is going in feeling  pretty good  and with a good attitude. He is going to feel tired and weak, just has to rest a lot.  Some nausia , but they give you medicine to control it and medicine for any pain.  Don.t be afraid to ask for medicine if you need it. About the mouth sores, not everyone gets them, i didn't.  Tell him to keep ice in his mouth the whole time that they are giving the chemo.  You do get then down the throat, but  he should eat only warm , smooth  food. All in all it,s not that  tramatic as it sounds.  I left on my 18 day, had one blood and one platalets transfusion. And then it.s just rest home for a while, it takes time to get strong again.  It,s better if moves around and do small things as he feels better. Well good luck to him, he should do well.  Regards  Marion

It is true that everyone reacts a bit different to the whole process. Yes I did get mouth sores, not a real neat experience, but I was able to get my mashed potatoes and gravey along with my veggies all interveinously. No worry about weight gain, other than water retention which they measue continusly. 

Do ask for meds when something comes up. No point in being a hero. In a couple of weeks things start to improve. Keep focued on the numbers and you will see how quickly he will be rebounding. For 5-6 weeks after the transplant is where the caregiver preforms an invaluable service, not only in providing care but in keeping the patient focused on what is going right.

Be sure to report any deviation to the medical team and be assured, his taste buds will return to normal in a few months.

I wish you all the best and keep us advised. Looking forward to a positive outcome.

Report any deviation to the  

Good Evening Carolynn;

What has been explained to you was also explained to me by my Dr. Matter of fact, he told me that for 2-3 days after the chemo I would have no symptoms. But then it hits you! But as these other posters have mentioned, everyone reacts differently,. anywhere from mild to severe.

I believe the positive attitude is the secret. Keep focused on the fact that you're now giving this desease the hurtin' it deserves.

Good luck and come back with your results. I'm scheduled for mine in early Feb.

Kevin

On 12/28/2007 yosh003 wrote:

Hi,

My husband is scheduled to be admitted to the hospital jan. 7th get two days of high dose melphalan, a day of rest and receive his transplant jan. 10. I am very nervous. The transplant docs are telling us 3 weeks after transplant in hospital, mouth sores, etc. etc..

Has anyone had a pretty good experience?

Thanks,

Carolynn