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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

We're Facing A Stem Cell Transplant. Any Suggestions For How To Prepare And What To Expect? Thanks!

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question šŸ’­
Clarkston, WA

See above

January 21, 2023
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I had mind in September and it's not painful you will a funny feeling when they giving to you infusion but the most important thing you will have to go through many many tests your body have too be good health to have a transplant I throw so many tests I started to feel depressed one test can cause them to stop the transplant I had a heart problem my heart was betting real fast I had procedure done after that I had shingles twice I made it through all of that You Can Too in remission one year later doing maintenance therapy treatment revlimid and IV once a month to make my bones strong .

January 26, 2023
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you!

January 23, 2023
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Preparing for a stem cell transplant and knowing what to expect can help ease the process. Here are some key points:

Preparation
- Tests and Evaluations: Doctors will run several tests to determine if the procedure is suitable for you. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, and organ function tests.
- Growth Show Full Answer

Preparing for a stem cell transplant and knowing what to expect can help ease the process. Here are some key points:

Preparation:
- Tests and Evaluations: Doctors will run several tests to determine if the procedure is suitable for you. This includes blood tests, imaging studies, and organ function tests.
- Growth Factors: For autologous transplants, growth factors are given to encourage stem cells to move from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood.
- Apheresis: This process collects stem cells from your blood and may take 3-4 hours, repeated for up to five days.

During the Transplant:
- Conditioning Treatment: High doses of chemotherapy (often Alkeran) or radiation are used to destroy myeloma cells and make room for new stem cells.
- Stem Cell Infusion: New stem cells are infused through a catheter, and multiple infusions may be needed.

Recovery:
- Hospital Stay: You will need to stay in the hospital until you meet certain criteria, such as being fever-free.
- Blood Counts: It can take 2-6 weeks for blood counts to return to normal.
- Infection Risk: Reduced immune cells mean a higher risk of infections, so you may need antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal medications.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits and tests are necessary to monitor recovery.

Side Effects:
- Short-Term: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, mouth sores, and bleeding problems.
- Long-Term: Cataracts, sexual side effects, early menopause, infertility, increased cancer risk, and graft-versus-host disease (for allogeneic transplants).

Support:
- Community: Engage with others who understand life with multiple myeloma through platforms like MyMyelomaTeam.

Always discuss with your doctor about what to expect and how to manage any complications.

July 14
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I breezed through all my tests and did not have any reactions when Stem Cells were reintroduced into my body.

January 27, 2023
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Last hour of chewing Ice I cheated and had cold ice-cream.

January 25, 2023

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