1. < Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy

Preparing for consultation & BMT transplant

Posted by itlooksunny @itlooksunny, Feb 11 8:54pm

My husband is preparing for BMT transplant. All the side effects scare me, as caregiver. He has had radiation & shots & pills (targeted treatment) with very little side effects but the strong chemo is new to us. Dale had plasma cytoma that returned & is now MM. Consult, 3days of testing is coming in the next few weeks. Three weeks after that BMT transplant. My typing ability is poor so my posts are short. Any suggestions, support would be appreciated. I am terrified!

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anitasharma | @anitasharma | Mar 13 3:39pm
In reply to @loribmt "Good morning, I think having a strong team for emotional support and as backup can be..." + (show)
@loribmt

Good morning, I think having a strong team for emotional support and as backup can be super beneficial for you right now so I’m glad to see that you called your husband’s parents. I’m sure they’re anxious for their son’s health as well. So being a unified force can really bolster the moral support. ☺️

Things to ask before the transplant… Well, for right now you could ask what the protocol is for the transplant. What are the particulars of their program where your husband is being treated.

Many transplant centers require the patient and caregiver to be within 30 minutes of the transplant center for around 100 days.
Will your husband be an in-patient, as in staying in a hospital setting for several months or an outpatient? Outpatient: After the procedure he and caregiver live off campus but report daily to the clinic for blood work, infusions and such.

From my experience and stories from many members, most clinics that perform the BMT will have educational classes for transplant patients and care giver. You’ll learn about avoiding infections such as bacterial, viral or fungal, safe food preparation for the newly transplanted patient, that type of thing.
While there’s a lot to learn, you’ve already gone through so much of it just with having your husband so ill and going through his many rounds of chemo. It’s basically an extension of those forms of precaution until he recovers.

Once you learn the protocols for the BMT then we can walk through the steps together. I promise, you’re not alone in this, ok? That’s why so many of us are here to help all the newbies navigate this medical odyssey. ☺️

Sending positive vibes that your son is a qualifying match for donor cells!

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Hello everyone ...
We just had a Zoom meeting with Doctor .He has cleared all our Doubts and Explained everything about transplant Process ,side effects, Success rates, Donor compatibility, and recovery expectations.
@loribmt Yes My husband will be in hospital for 30 days at least and then as Outpatient: After the procedure he and caregiver live off campus but report weekly to the clinic for blood work, infusions and such.
These all looks very tough though we are determined to work out. My Sons might be Half match I am guessing, As I heard sibling is full matched . Don't know yet. Anyways needs all your blessings this time .
Thanks everyone . Stay Happy n Healthy

REPLY
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 17 9:38am
In reply to @itlooksunny "We live in Duluth Mn so 3 1/2 hours! Our problem is neither of us can..." + (show)
@itlooksunny

We live in Duluth Mn so
3 1/2 hours! Our problem is neither of us can drive. My husband is still rehabing from back surgery & I have never driven through the cities!

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Hi @itlooksunny It’s been quite a while since we’ve spoken and I just wanted to check in with you to see where your husband is on his auto-transplant. I know he’d been recovering from recent back surgery which delayed things. Has he been able to move forward with the transplant for his MM?

REPLY
1 reply
itlooksunny | @itlooksunny | Jun 17 12:28pm
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @itlooksunny It’s been quite a while since we’ve spoken and I just wanted to check..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @itlooksunny It’s been quite a while since we’ve spoken and I just wanted to check in with you to see where your husband is on his auto-transplant. I know he’d been recovering from recent back surgery which delayed things. Has he been able to move forward with the transplant for his MM?

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Yes! My husband had stem cell transplant 4-18 at Mayo in Rochester! Tolerated very well with few side effects! Everything went smoothly! Just had follow up visit and waiting to hear results! We are very hopeful! Improving everyday from back surgery! Walking 8 blocks with cane!
Thank you for asking!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 17 3:47pm
In reply to @itlooksunny "Yes! My husband had stem cell transplant 4-18 at Mayo in Rochester! Tolerated very well with..." + (show)
@itlooksunny

Yes! My husband had stem cell transplant 4-18 at Mayo in Rochester! Tolerated very well with few side effects! Everything went smoothly! Just had follow up visit and waiting to hear results! We are very hopeful! Improving everyday from back surgery! Walking 8 blocks with cane!
Thank you for asking!

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That’s wonderful news about your husband and his stem cell transplant. I’m so happy that all worked out for both of you. I know you were concerned about him and the logistics of travel and long term stay!
Sounds like he’s really gaining strength and stamina daily. Recovery from the transplant when using his own cells is pretty quick once he gets past those initial 6 weeks or so.
This is all very encouraging! Thank you for the really positive update! Also happy to hear he’s doing well after the back surgery! ☺️ He’s had quite the medical drama this year, huh?

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