Stem cell transplants are most often used to help people with leukemia and lymphoma. They may also be used for neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma.

The test involved to decide the eligibility criteria include:

• Psychological evaluation
• Blood tests
• Bone marrow tests
• Chest X-rays and CT scans
• Heart, lung, and other organs function check

Salient factors that are considered before a patient is administered Stem cell replacement are:

• The patient’s general health conditions
• Previous medical history
• The severity of the condition
• The probability of the body responding to the treatment
• Availability of stem cells either from self or a donor

Stem Cell Transplant is strenuous on the body and hence the patient is advised to discuss options on Medical tests, fertility, Intravenous Catheter insertion, costs involved, and caregiver.

Insertion of a central line in the body is essential as the patient will be undergoing a lot of blood transfusions, injections, chemotherapy, and other fluids and this can be painful if done without the insertion of a central line.

Before leaving the hospital, a bracelet or a necklace engraved with ‘Autologous Stem Cell Transplant’ or ‘Irradiated cellular blood components and CMV-safe blood components only’ is provided to the patients. This comes in handy when you are being examined/treated by medical experts and you are not in a position to give information on your recent transplant. This helps the medical team treating you consider your history and administer effective medical judgment.

The process of a stem cell transplant, with the high-dose treatments, the transplant, and recovery, can take weeks or months. You will be in and out of the hospital during this time. Even when you are not in the hospital, sometimes you will need to stay near it, rather than staying in your own home.

The high-dose treatments that you have before a stem cell transplant can cause side effects that make it hard to eat, such as mouth sores and nausea. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have trouble eating while you are receiving treatment.

Always drink and eat from neatly washed utensils. Wear clean clothes that are properly dried under the sun. When at home, avoid touching soil or plants, and when done, ensure that there are gloves and masks used.

Do not use a humidifier at home as it creates a musty environment which is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.