Please help me navigate the BMT process!

Posted by slingaf @slingaf, Mar 28 3:19pm

Hi, Everyone:

I’m waiting for a BMT (probably in May) and will relocate to Jacksonville for the procedure.

Can you share any tips on what to pack, mainly for the hospital?

Did you lose your hair during conditioning or after the transplant?

What did you wish you had known during this whole process?

Any must haves?

Thank you. Just trying to get my head around all this!

Best to all of you.

Samara

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy Support Group.

clock456 | @clock456 | Apr 7 12:51pm

In reply to @j0318 "Hi @slingaf - @markymarkfl and @loribmt have already provided so many helpful suggestions for practical tips..." + (show)

@j0318

Hi @slingaf - @markymarkfl and @loribmt have already provided so many helpful suggestions for practical tips so you should have plenty of great information. I can only add by offering my experience as a patient who spent 80+ days in the Mayo Florida hospital for blood cancer treatments (lymphoma DLBCL). I also went thru the preparation for the BMT but was not able to complete it due to inadequate bone marrow recovery (transplant was using my own cells). All of my blood cancer treatments were on 3 North which is where I assume your BMT will be as my 3 week hospitalization for the BMT was also scheduled there.

The Mayo Florida BMT team also provided a comprehensive list of items not allowed in the hospital room during the recovery after transplant due to contamination concerns while your immune system is recovering. This team provided a notebook with a comprehensive review of the BMT process, specific items to bring and other items not allowed in the hospital room during the recovery weeks in the hospital. They also provided an outline of the daily routine in the hospital during recovery which was helpful in understanding the process.
All of this information was so helpful in preparing for an extended hospital stay. This information is also reviewed by the BMT nurse coordinator so you should get all the information you need and an opportunity to ask questions.

As for the Mayo Florida hospital experience, I would like to say that everyone on the hematology floor, from the attending physicians, nurses, technicians, and even the daily cleaning staff, were kind, compassionate, and supportive to ensure that I had everything I needed to successfully complete my treatments and feel comfortable. These are the same staff that you should have for your BMT so you will be in excellent hands. These amazing caregivers will be a great asset in your treatment and recovery.

Rest assured that you will have excellent support and guidance from @loribmt and the other amazing members who have been through the BMT process. They can all offer support as patients who have had their own success with this amazing treatment. @loribmt is an incredible mentor to have during this treatment so you are already headed for success by reaching out here.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment and recovery!

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The 3 North Team ROCKS! They made the whole experience easier and less scary.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 5 days ago

@slingaf, Samara, how are you doing as you prepare for BMT? Have you made the move to Jacksonville already?

deb913 | @deb913 | 1 day ago

Hi Samara,
I wanted to give you some ideas for what to bring to hospital. I had an allogenic transplant and was admitted for 30 days so they encouraged us to bring things to make the stay more comfortable. Here are some things I remember liking
- Hats for sleeping because your head gets cold - all cotton no frills - I liked these - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMQD7XVZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1
- Cute hats for every day - I got 2 of these : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCY56R1B?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
- You’ll have a central line in your upper chest so Button down shirt or v next tshirts or pajama tops make access easier
- Sneakers - comfy walking sneaker
- Comfy slip on shoes - to use for short walks and like slippers
- Socks with grip - because hospital socks fit badly
- Inexpensive digital photo frame : Frameo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083SH697H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
- 2 laundry bags - one to hang in bathroom and give to caretaker for wash and another to use when first is gone. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRC7G8Z1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
- Gripper socks - because hospital requires them and theirs don’t fit well - fyi I got a medium and am a size 9 shoe: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRC7G8Z1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
- Comfy bra - You do not need a bra but I have large breasts so it’s uncomfortable for me to go without. I used these - very comfy : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KL1PGTN?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1&psc=1
- Powerstrip so multiple things can be plugged in (we kept it in bedside table so my election d were always in easy reach.
- Long charging boards
- Hobby item or books etc
- Any electronics you like
- Comfy Blanket - very comforting
- Pillow from home
- Shaver - to shave hair off. Hair loss happens about 7-10 days after last chemo.

Good luck. It can feel very scary but I’m 5 months out and everything has gone very well.

All my best,
Debbie

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 1 day ago

Hi @slingaf, Just checking in to see how your plans for the BMT are coming together. I know the logistics can feel overwhelming. I hope you’ve been able to make notes from some of the great suggestions from other members for how to prepare for your lengthy stay in Jacksonville.
This is a super helpful post from @deb913! https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1284213/

Has there been a donor located yet?

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