Types of Cancer
Bone Marrow Transplant Process
Bone Marrow Transplant Process
The process for getting a bone marrow transplant is lengthy and requires careful planning. Here, we provide you an overview of the main steps, from early planning to follow-up care.
- Planning Ahead: Your transplant coordinator will help you throughout the process. However, you also will need to select a caregiver, a family member or friend to provide physical care, help monitor your health, administer medications and provide you with emotional support.
- Your Hospital Stay: In the new area at Memorial Hospital West, an entire floor is dedicated to advanced oncology treatments. A 16-bed unit for inpatient transplant patients offers all private rooms equipped with specialized infection-control procedures. The reverse-isolation technology and high efficiency particulate air filtration improve air quality and help reduce the risk of infection. An additional eight rooms are reserved for outpatient bone marrow transplant treatments, for patients who are strong enough and have the home support required for outpatient care.
- Length of Process: The length of time the transplant process can take is different for everyone. Your transplant team will talk with you about what to expect. A typical range is from one to four months.
- Preparing the Donor: During this stage, your doctor will decide if you require an allogeneic or an autologous transplant.
- Transplanting the Cells: The actual transplant involves infusing the cells into your body through a central line, or central intravenous catheter (a small, flexible tube inserted into a large vein near the heart).
- Waiting for Engraftment: During this part of the process, the stem cells you received are growing and developing, meaning your bone marrow function and immune system are beginning to recover. While waiting for engraftment, you’ll be monitored closely for any side effects or complications. Your transplant team and caregiver will provide care as well as emotional support.
- Recovery: Your initial recovery period will typically last about three months following the transplant.
- Follow-Up Care: Following your recovery, your transplant team will meet with you to discuss your long-term care plan. Once you return home, you’ll be under the care of your referring physician; however, your team at Memorial will always be on your side for support related to your transplant.
Please call Memorial Cancer Institute to schedule an appointment: 954-265-4325, or email us.
Memorial Cancer Institute
954-265-4325
