The Mayo bone marrow transplant teams are exceptional when it comes to information for their patients. You and your husband will have informational sessions with a dietician and other coordinators so that you’ll learn about how to stay safe, healthy and what to expect. But even after the classes you’ll end up with more questions. It’s ok! You can ask your team anything, anytime and they’ll help clarify things for you.

I’m also here to help you as well. Having gone through my own odyssey of AML and a Allogenic bone marrow transplant, I know how helpful it would have been to have a mentor; To actually know or talk with someone who went through this process and survived. That’s why I’m here, to do a little hand holding and to make sure anyone who is preparing to go through a transplant either with their cells or a donor, is ready for the mission! 😉

It’s my pleasure to be able to encourage others along this journey. One of my favorite experiences was actually published by Mayo. I had the rare opportunity to meet the family and the one of the members that I mentor. We happened to be at Mayo-Rochester at the same time. Thought maybe you’d like to read it; https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/mayo-clinic-connect-brings-together-2-women-with-leukemia-46-years-apart/

I know it all feels overwhelming, daunting and confusing right now. There’s so much information coming at you from many sides. But this will all come together in the end. When will you have your next blood work to check on the status of how well the chemo is working?

Good morning, @soonerfan, here are a few informational sites I tossed in for you to give you a head start on prepping for a transplant later this summer:

~How soon does one secure lodging for 3 month stay in Rochester
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-soon-does-one-secure-l9dging-for-a-3-month-stay-mayo-rochester/
~Long-term lodging options in Rochester while in cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/long-term-lodging-options/
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A couple of my go-to guides for instructions on stem cell transplants for caregivers and patients with sections on what to pack, avoiding infections and after care.

The first is from Mayo for caregivers and patients.
You’ll be having an autologous transplant so disregard the allogenic information.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/caregivers-for-bmt-car-t-and-hematology/tab/transplant-journey/#ch-tab-navigation
This is from Memorial Sloan Kettering.
https://www.mskcc.org/pdf/cancer-care/patient-education/leaving-hospital-after-your-allogeneic-transplant
Other things to consider for long term stay:

Essential items you use on a frequent basis at home Your lodging will be your home away from home but sparsely furnished. It’s nice to have some of your favorites with you.

>Mail~USPS will hold mail up to 30 days. Consider having mail forwarded to your lodging. If your mail is held, sign up for free USPS service of previewing the mail. You can see what’s being delivered/held that day to see if you’re missing anything important. Amazon can find you too!

Most helpful to bring:
>Laptop/tablet/smartphone (+ chargers)
Your phone or device will be your connection with the Mayo patient portal and communication with your team. It allows you to review your lab results, appointments and information. It’s also your window to the world while your mobility is limited.

>Small electrical extension cord for charging your phone/tablet while in the hospital room.

> A thermometer. You’ll want to be able to check your temperature daily for sign of infection.
>All medications, spare eye-glasses if needed, personal items for grooming, etc.

>Stamps, envelopes, address book. Post it notes came in handy, along with tape, a tiny stapler, pens, scissors. etc.
>Small sewing kit
>Inexpensive collapsable (fabric) hanging organizers for closets~good for t-shirts, pants & supplies.
>A flat storage bin for under the bed work for extra supplies.
>Quarters for laundry machines (detergent, dryer sheets, color catcher sheets for small loads)


Clothing:
>Slippers or shoes you can wear in the hospital
>A favorite blanket or pillow
>Depending on your length of stay, you might cross seasons. So bring clothes you can layer.
>lounging clothes for comfort
>looser fitting tops to accommodate the chest port or picc line in the arm.

>lysol wipes to wipe down all horizontal surfaces in living quarters, along toilet seats & flusher handle, door knobs, remotes, light switches, etc.
>if staying in a furnished room/apartment, place all dishes and flatware in the dishwasher on a sanitize setting just to make sure they’re clean.

>As the patient you should not clean your own toilet. But we found it helpful to buy a new toilet brush and cleaner at the grocery store so my husband could do a scrub between housekeeping visits.

These are just a few ideas to get your brain wired for the adventure ahead!