Thank you, Eileen
I am high-risk, IgA kappa, Multiple Myeloma.
Had my stem cell transplant Oct.04,2023. Because we live nearby the transplant center, mine was considered outpatient.
The harvest and transplant were done in the center. I got to go home and sleep in my own bed afterwards. For two weeks following the transplant, I had to go back to the cancer center and check in every day. Had to turn in a report each day too; a record of what/how much, I ate and drank, my body temperature at intervals, my bathroom habits.
Had vitals and lab work done and was infused or given orals for anything I was low on.
It really wasn’t bad at all.
The best part was sleeping in my own bed.
If my temperature spiked to 100.4F I was to check in to the hospital to be monitored for infection. It did. Friday, Oct.13, I checked into the hospital.
I was given antibiotics, platelets and fluids. Had an incredibly sore throat. My hair started falling out by the handfuls. I was there about five days.
It was there I engrafted.
About 100 days post transplant I had another bone marrow biopsy. I was disappointed that I have not achieved remission and still remain MRD positive.
I am scheduled for my sixth bone marrow biopsy in August, 2025.
Based on experiences shared by MyMyelomaTeam members, stem cell transplants today can be done either as an inpatient procedure requiring a 2-3 week hospital stay, or as an outpatient procedure with daily monitoring. During the hospital stay, patients often experience fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite as common Show Full Answer