← Return to My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours?

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@caregiverx2

He is doing okay. His stamina and strength are slowing improving but he is having a hard time maintaining or gaining weight. The steroids also send his blood sugar sky high so he exercises/walks to try to get it down. It is a bad news/good news situation, but it still takes a toll on him.

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Replies to "He is doing okay. His stamina and strength are slowing improving but he is having a..."

It’s not unusual for weight to fluctuate for many months after a bone marrow transplant. Meds can impact the absorption and metabolism of foods. Grazing throughout the day is good and sometimes necessary. I had a difficult time too and initially my BMT, as well as the dietician, suggested eating anything I could get down that had calories. The foods didn’t always need to be healthy…if weight is too low, opt for calories saying… “We’ll worry about your cholestrol later!”
My go-to was Lactaid Salted Caramel Ice cream. My husband made me smoothies or I’d have little cones. It had protein, fat, carbs…it was all there and palatable. LOL.

You and your husband are doing all the right things. Recovery from a BMT can’t be rushed and I know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re taking two steps back after marching 5 steps forward.

It occurred to me that your husband and @dwolden’s husband, Dave went through their transplants at roughly the same time. He was at Mayo Rochester while you’re down in Florida, if I remember correctly. I bet it might be helpful to trade war stories! David has had his ups and downs with weight as well and of course you, as the caregiver, shoulder the brunt of most of the worry…as does David’s wife, Dorothy.

Hang in there! This gets better with a new, 2nd chance at life ahead. It’s worth the challenges of the early months.
I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday season!
Are you now home?