Hi @lorieliebrock. Welcome to Connect. You came to the right place to be embraced by other (BMT or SCT) bone marrow transplant/stem cell transplant members. It can certainly feel overwhelming with the amount of information or sometimes, the lack of information preceding the transplant.

One of my closest friends is a woman whom I met while we were both undergoing our transplants. She had myelofibrosis. This was just about 7 years ago. We’re both in our 70s, feeling super healthy, in durable remission and enjoying our 2nd chance at life. While it’s not an easy journey and recovery is slow, it can mean a potential cure for our cancers.

There are a growing number of bone marrow transplant members in Connect and we’re more than happy to help you in any way we can. Here is a good place to read through some of our stories. We’re open and honest with our experiences.

My bone marrow transplant story: Will you share yours?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt-story-will-you-share-yours/
Gvhd is a possible side effect of the transplant but newer protocols have helped mitigate the worst of the issues. When we get a stem cell transplant we are actually adopting a new immune system from our donor. The goal is to have a graft (new cells) vs tumor or leukemic reaction. But until the new immune system adapts to the body it has a tendency to be aggressive and wants to attack the body instead. To help prevent that, you’ll be on medications for a few months until things settle down.

Are you near your transplant center or will you have to relocate? Do you know if you’ll be there as an in-patient or will be recovering off-campus?