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Husband with AML facing a stem cell transplant
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (92)Comment receiving replies
Hi Lori
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s comforting to know this is “normal” but I am so sorry you had to endure it. It’s unnerving not being able to swallow properly. But the team just saw him and reassured us that yes, the stem cells will graft in about 5 days, maybe sooner, and he will feel better. For now, they have many tools to help him including increasing his pain meds, pushing IV meds and fluids. We are experimenting with a thickener for water, and protein shakes (which he is able to swallow easier than water).
The nurse even started suction just in case he wanted to use that to clear out thick mucous as necessary.
We will get through this. It may end up being a blur, but this too shall pass. It’s hour by hour now, working with the team to keep him comfortable, clean, and distracted. 😊
Thank you for the encouragement and support!
Mary
Replies to "Hi Lori Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s comforting to know this is “normal” but..."
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Mary, that’s a perfect way to phrase this neutropenic stage of a new transplant patient…It will end up being just a blur!
Not everyone has the same reactions or let’s say dramatic symptoms during their transplant process. I think some of mine had to do with my previous months of intense chemotherapy for AML which may have set the stage for my mouth sores and nausea. My rebound time between that chemo and the transplant was short.
The fatigue, however, hits everyone. That’s just a given. Anytime our blood numbers drop that low there’s just no more ‘umph’ to give. 😉. But engraftment changes everything. When those new cells set up housekeeping and ‘git ta gittin’ it’s like coming out from the dark side of the moon! So Dane is doing fantastic and his team has his back. And YOU, Ms Mary, are keeping your cool and being a fabulous caregiver to your brave husband. You’re both going to get through this and have tales to tell!