Hi @1pearl, Being low risk with your MF diagnosis you may not have any issues in the future where you’d need a BMT, but it’s good that you’re being proactive ‘just in case’.

Being super active with your equally positive attitude will serve you well if you do require a BMT at some point. ☺️
Like you, I hadn’t been hospitalized since the birth of my daughter or seldom ill! I was extremely healthy until boom, the rug was pulled out from under me with AML. I had my allogenic transplant at 65 after several months of intense chemotherapy. I’ll be honest, recovery isn’t immediate. It’s
slow and steady and takes months. But I was back to walking a couple of miles daily by 1.5 months. It didn’t take long after that to get back to 8 miles…it been 10 miles daily previously. At 71, I still walk 8 miles daily, plus weight bearing exercises, gardening (with a mask!), travel, etc.. So my life is full and back to 98% normal.

Each transplant facility will have their protocol for transplants. I was in Mayo Rochester where I was expected to be near the clinic for 100 days with a caregiver. I was outpatient, not in the hospital except on a limited basis when needed. Though I did report to the clinic daily for progress checks, labs and infusions.
Other clinics may have a patient in the hospital for a month or so and then off campus nearby for recovery. Questions you may want to ask…In Patient or Out Patient? How long will you be in a hospital. How long will you be required to stay near the facility? Will I need a full time caregiver?

My husband and I stayed in a hotel suite 2 blocks from the campus. I felt being outpatient was a great option. I loved my independence and not feeling like an invalid. I could sleep soundly at night or nap any time. We had a full kitchen so my husband always had food for me, had my own (less clinical) bathroom, I had more exercise walking around the apartment than being confined to a room, avoidance of hospital germs, etc..
Each BMT clinic will also have their own protocol for age requirements. I’ve mentored several people who were 75 at the time of their transplants…now in their 80s and doing great! Some clinics have an age cutoff, some go by the patient’s determination, stamina, ability to withstand the chemo and medications…also taking into account any co-morbidities.
I see that you’ll be talking with a BMT counselor at COH. One of our awesome members, @katgob had her transplant at COH in Duarte, CA. She’d be happy to chat with you about her experience. But we’re putting the cart before the horse…you may not even need the transplant.

We’re here for you if you need any clarification after all the info gets tossed at you!