Any tips to help prepare for BMT? What to know for during & after?

Hello, I had my stem cell transplant 9 months ago. The procedure itself is not difficult. Side effects post chemo and fatigue were the main challenges. You will need a long-term caregiver help when at home. Better to move close to the hospital for a couple of months post-transplant. Yes, I was hooked up to an IV 24/7 for 14 days post-transplant to receive chemotherapy. Ginger Ale and saltine crackers were available at the hospital to help with nausea. I was eating diet foods from the hospital menu: eggs, oatmeal, cooked vegetables, grilled chicken, turkey burger, mashed potatoes. Nothing raw. Started salmon and chicken livers (high in iron) later, as it was hard to eat post chemo. No spices, no high salt. The longer you can stay at the hospital, the better. I brought with me oversized t-shirts with wider neck opening, pajamas, and diapers instead of underwear (recommended by the hospital). The socks were provided by the hospital. I brough in my fav pillow and a blanket. My caregiver was taking care of my laundry. I had my pen, notepads, computer and cell phone with chargers with me. In 2 weeks post chemo my hair fell off. All the toiletries and body lotions were provided, but you may want to bring your own deodorant, little scissors, nail filers, little mirror, etc. The hospital will have a social worker assigned to walk you through the process. Hope, this helps. Keep us posted on your journey and wish you all the best.

@treehouse5437, here is a list of relevant discussions that you may find helpful:

- Preparing for consultation & BMT transplant https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preparing-for-consultation-bmt-transplant/

- Helpful suggestions as we head into BMT? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/helpful-suggestions-as-we-head-into-bmt/

- My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt-story-will-you-share-yours/

And of course, @loribmt's helpful response to the discussion you started about after care:
- BMT after Home Care https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bmt-after-home-care/

I look forward to hearing people's responses to your questions about what to stock in the mini-fridge, what to pack, and being hooked up to an IV.

Have any other questions popped into your head as you prepare?

Hello
I am just weeks ahead of you in SCT; It is Day + 4 for me. I have had periods of 24 hr IV's: the day before and after translant and chemos. I had plenty of anxiety getting everything arranged mostly due to being a single gal and not having a partner to help with home and pet family. The Hospital has been able to prevent nausea to date. Diarrhea is another matter. I am receiving the last chemo off Cyclophosphamide today. Had I known I would have had that kind of diarrhea, I would have changed to hospital clothing beforehand. I have found v-neck shirts the best for the central line. I have an assortment of pj's and sweat pants that I can wear for 24 hours. I did bring snacks to help with nausea but since it is being kept at bay, I have not really eaten them.

Sorry that you are going through this experience alone! On top of the debilitating effects of the transplant, you have to coordinate the care of pets and home - that must be overwhelming!

I am glad you figured out what clothes would work for you while you are hospitalized. It was a trial and error for me - I wore t-shirts and then switched to button down pj tops.

As far as food was concerned, I subsisted on toast with a slice of Swiss cheese for many weeks. I prepared a lot of snacks when I started my SCT process, but couldn’t bring myself to eat anything. My husband ended up eating them.

Diarrhea is definitely a challenge. The gut goes through so much with chemo conditioning! It will take a while for it to heal and start working correctly. Hang in there! It will get better!

Hi treehouse,
I am one year post allogeneic sct for Eosinophilic leukemia. It’s natural to feel nervous but they will take such good care of you in the hospital that you can at least feel sure they re on top of everything. And you may not have all the bad side effects you are warned about. For instance, I never had diarrhea.

Hers a list of thing I found helpful to have in hospital:
- Hats for sleeping because your head gets cold - all cotton no frills - I liked these - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMQD7XVZ

- Cute hats for every day - I got 2 of these : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCY56R1B

- 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 also use like slippers

- Socks with grip - because hospital socks fit poorly

-Inexpensive digital photo frame : Frameo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083SH697H

- 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

- 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

- 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

- Powerstrip so multiple things can be plugged in (we kept it in bedside table so my electronics were always in easy rea
.
- Long charging cords

- Hobby item or books etc for when you feel ok 

- Any electronics you like

- Comfy Blanket - very comforting

- Pillow from home

- scissors and electric Shaver - to shave hair off just before it falls out Hair loss happens about 7-10 days after last chemo (of course some people prefer to save before they go in).
- ask people to send cards - they’re nice to get and look at n your room
Good luck.

My husband had BMT transplant 7 months ago at mayo Hospital in Rochester. He had no hospital stay but stayed close by, for daily visits. His side effects was mostly fatigue. We stayed nearby at a transplant house for 5 weeks, walked to hospital daily.

Perfect & Thank you!!! 😊

Dr said nurses on the BMT floor can shave my head before my hair starts to come out! 👍🏻

How long did it take before you saw new hair arrive?

Thank you!! 😊

Thank you! 😊