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Caregiver needed stem cell transplant while at Mayo in Rochester
Transplants | Last Active: Sep 5, 2023 | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
My original reply was lost. I am going back to mayo on June 5th. I am having lab work and seeing the doctors and the social worker I have had several visits with them and I'm hoping they say I am ready for a transplant. I have toured the transplant house I just feel that I need a nurse the first month and I have a very small family so I'm relying more on Friends to help me out. I will call Quality Care and I do not have a social services coordinator yet after June 5th I will know a lot more. My sister is coming with me to the appointment. I believe we will use an anonymous donor for my transplant. It's all the details that are so overwhelming and I don't have anyone to help me with that. My son's all live in the Des Moines area and their young professionals so taking time off from work may not work for them but possibly weekends. Thank you for replying that was very helpful information in your message I just feel so very alone.
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Hi @bevprescott, I want you to know you’re not alone. There are several of us in the forum whom have had stem cell transplants from donors. It’s called an allogenic transplant.
I’m going introduce you to @edb1123, @alive and @kt2013. The 4 of us have had transplants to keep us in remission from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I’m not sure what you blood condition is, but if you need a transplant it’s because your current bone marrow is failing on some level to produce healthy blood cells. With a new immune system, via a donor’s stem cells, you’ll have a clean new system and you essentially get a second chance at life! ☺️ The other three members I’ve listed, along with myself…and others, will hand-hold you all the way through whenever you need a sounding board or an ear to listen. We’ve all been through this and some of us have walked the same path you are right on…there in Rochester!
We’re all at varying stages of success from 3 years to 10 years! While this is not an easy adventure, you’ll be in excellent hands with the team at Mayo and Station 94. Mayo-Rochester is my home away from home and these amazing doctors and nurses saved my life.
With your first appointment for the pre-transplant you’ll most likely be visiting the lab first thing in the morning. June 5th is a Monday. So you’ll want to get to the lab 1/2 hour early before your designated time especially if you have an appointment scheduled soon after that time. That is a really busy time of day.
So if your appointment is at 7:30 and your next one is at 8:15, don’t wait until that time to show up! Show up at 7 for the blood work. And just so you don’t panic there is always a built in 15 minutes of wiggle room before your next appt. If your time says 8 AM. You won’t be seen usually until 8:15.
Mayo runs like clockwork, smoothly and efficiently. They want you to be relaxed and comfortable. Everyone will do their utmost to make sure you have a good patient experience. You’re not a number there…despite having one. ☺️
There will be a lot of information coming your way that first day. You’ll probably get a disk with information about the transplant and the process. It will feel overwhelming but I think as soon as you meet your transplant doctor you’ll feel a little more at ease. This team is there to help you in any way they can.
Do you have any specific questions about the transplant itself?
Do I you have your patient portal set up?