piece of cake. stayed calm nurses never left my bedside. had music on. calm

I had my ASCT in Feb 2019 at 75 yo. The procedure was nothing compared to the fear of doing it in the first place. Now, every person is different. I was an out-patient, went into the OP Hospital every morning to get labs drawn and fluids if needed, Back to the condo by noon, or my caregiver would drive us around or stop at the store for things that sounded good to eat that day (no appetite). I never had nausea but bad diarrhea (take adult diapers). I went home in 12 days and that's when the fatigue hits you. It took me almost 6 weeks to be able to stand for more than 20 minutes or do a full grocery store shop. Lost my stamina as well.
It's now 5 years later and I have been to 7 countries between Dec 23 and March 24. Still have poor stamina but it's my new normal. I'd do it again. Here is a helpful guide for preparing for it. https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/asct

The Complete Patient's Guide to Transplant (ASCT) - HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma

https://healthtree.org/myeloma/community/asct

The transplant procedure itself is anti-climatic - at least that was my experience. The melphalan (pre-transplant chemo) is rough. That was the worst part for me. Constant diarrhea - not fun. Once that passed, I was pretty good.
Once I was home after my transplant I was a bit disappointed in how long it took to start feeling back to my old self. One of my post transplant meds, can't remember which one, made me feel pretty sick. They finally told me I could stop taking it. I had a great team, was out of the hospital in record time and never looked back!!

Thank you, Tricia, for sharing your experience. My husband is having a hard time with fatigue, appetite and balance. It's been almost 6 months. We're praying it will get better. Thank you again!

Thank you, Sally! I appreciated the information.