I have had a SCT I was overwhelmed with the amount of information too . It’s a lot but remember to take one step at a time . Remember to chew on that ice for the recommended time I never had mouth sores etc Yes you get sick but the medication they give helps Just visualize those myeloma cells dying and the stem cells as a new beginning.
I had stage 2 mm with an aggressive kind and now I am totally MRD negative! It’s been since May 2021 It’s worth it
Feel free to stay in touch I wish you all the best

I had an SCT at The James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, which is part of Ohio State University. This was in 2019. It’s far away from where we live, so I might have been alone because my husband had to be at home to take care of things and our dogs. My daughter was busy with her job. But my daughter-in-law got permission to do her job remotely and flew out to be with me. It was such a comfort. She’s also a nurse, so she helped with all the medical jargon.

The thing that seemed overwhelming was going home with all the instructions and limitations! Luckily a good friend went to help my husband get the house “germ free” or he might still be working on it! My DIL stayed at home with us for a few months to get us into a routine of doctors visits, medication regimen, and to get me moving around. I really would have been happy to just sit in a recliner all day. But moving is soooo important.

Ask at the cancer center where you go if there is a Nurse Navigator or someone who can help you coordinate all of the things that need to happen before the transplant. That’s their job and she was invaluable to me. Especially with things I had not thought about like all of the the paperwork for end-of-life planning. She brought all of it, sat and talked to me about it, and took care of the signatures, witnesses, and notaries if required. Then she made sure it all got to my chart and I got copies. So when I was getting checked into the hospital, and the questions about these documents came up, I could just answer “yes” and it was done. That was such a huge relief. Because those can be the things that nag at you in the middle of the night when there is nothing you can do about it!

We’re all here, too, and we have your back! Contact us through the forum as you have done, or use the private message feature to contact a specific person. Good luck with everything you have coming up! (((((Hugs)))))

I had a SCT on December 16th, at Duke Medical Center. I am getting stronger. My blood tests are good right now. Each person has a different experience. Mine was bearable and the hospital staff was wonderful. They told me to relax and let them take care of me.

I think ct scans, mri or even xrays are easy. I listen to worship music, close my eyes and let God take over...i am at peace.

Thank you Donna! I appreciate your advice. I've have mixed feelings, excited, but also anxious...two more chemotherapy sessions and then get prepared for the SCT. Still a long way, but looking forward 👌