Time to Make Preparations

Preparing for BMT

BMT Prep Encouragement

Planning for Transplant: A Patient and Caregivers' view

Before you have a stem cell transplant, your care team will do a number of tests to make sure your body is ready.

These may include:

Blood tests to check overall health.
Imaging tests (like X-rays or scans) to look at organs and presence of infection
Heart and lung checks to see how well they are working.
HLA (human leukocyte antigen) testing to find the best donor for you.
Physical therapy evaluation assess your functional capacity (can be done before and after transplant)

These tests help your transplant team understand your health, prepare you for treatment, and find the best possible donor.

🔍Common Myths

Myth

Family members are always a match.

Reality

Not always. Even close relatives may not be a suitable donor.

Myth

A sibling will definitely match.

Reality

There is only a 25% (1 in 4) chance that a sibling will be a match.

💡Tips

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Insurance support: Most transplant centers have staff who can guide you through insurance and financial questions.

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Emotional support: Psychologists, social workers, and support groups are part of your care team, don't hesitate to ask for them.

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Apps for coping and daily routines: Some people find apps like Habitica, Finch, or Everyday helpful for staying organized, building routines, and feeling motivated.

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Plan small distractions: Build in things to look forward to during the process - movies, visits, hobbies, or treats.

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Work and leave: Talk with your employer about taking medical leave or adjusting your schedule.

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Caregiver care: Caregivers will need support. It's important for them to take care of their own health and well-being.

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Communication: Keep family and friends updated in a way that works for you - group chats, emails, or blogs can save energy and avoid repeating the same updates many times.

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Legal and Administrative: This can include having a will, estate planning documents, beneficiaries organized, a medical power of attorney designated, and releases of information completed. While not the easiest to talk about it is important to think about, sometimes these important documents get overlooked in the midst of preparations.