Begin Chemo and/or Radiation
Patients usually receive chemotherapy and/or radiation before the transplant, which prepares the body to receive new cells. There are a few different types of regimens, and your care team will decide which one is best for you.
Different types of regimens:
- Myeloablative (high intensity) - uses strong doses of chemotherapy to remove all bone marrow cells
- Reduced-intensity (RIC) - uses lower doses of chemotherapy that are less toxic, often for older or medically fragile patients
- Non-myeloablative - minimal intensity, relying more on the donor's immune system to provide a new immune system.
What Is Chemotherapy? It is a medicine given before the stem cells to prepare the bone marrow for the new cells.
Why It Matters:
- Eliminate diseased/cancer cells
- Eliminates immune system cells
- It makes room for new stem cells to grow
- It reduces the risk of transplant rejection
💡Chemo Prep Tips
Ask your team what side effects to expect and how to manage them (next step has more info)
Bring comfort items for long infusion days (books, music, snacks)
Use a calendar or app to track medications and appointments
💡Infection Prevention Tips
Wash hands frequently and avoid crowds
Wear a mask if recommended by your team
Keep your central line clean and follow care instructions
Report any fever, chills, or signs of infection immediately
🩺Questions to Ask Your Care Team
Bring these to your next appointment
What type of preparative regimen will I receive?
How does it compare to what other patients receive?
What are the short- and long-term side effects?
What should I expect during chemotherapy or radiation?
How can I prepare emotionally and physically?
What support is available for my caregiver?
📋Mental Health Servies/Support Services
Recovery after transplant is complex---and you don't have to navigate it alone.
These support services are designed to meet emotional, physical, spiritual, and practical needs for both patients and families.
| Who | Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Social Work | Help with housing, insurance, and caregiver support |
| Mental Health | Counseling for patients and families |
| Child Life / School | Support for kids and school transitions |
| Physical Therapy | Help with strength, movement, and recovery |
| Home Health Care | Nursing support at home |
| Pain / Palliative Care | Comfort and symptom management |
| Chaplain | Spiritual care and emotional support |
| Pet Therapy | Visits from trained therapy animals |
| Financial Services | Help with billing, insurance, and aid programs |
Talk with your provider about which support services may be right for you. Everyone's recovery is different, and your care team can help match you with resources that fit your needs - whether it's emotional support, physical therapy, school planning, or home care.
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Last updated Mar 10, 2026