[gj]

Hey Jack

I too developed MDS as a secondary dx. I was dx with mantle cell lymphoma and did a autologous(using my own) stem cell transplant in 11/05.
I believe the reason that MDA requires you to be around for 4 months is because, they want you around for 100 days post transplant, to monitor graft vs host and also engraftment of the stem cells and 100 days is the norm.
The actual transplant usually runs about 21 days give or take. Usually you’re given a high dose chemo or in some cases radiation, that ia to try and clean up any residual disease. Then at DAY 0, you get the stem cells. After that your counts take a drop and eventually bottom out and then begin turning around and start rising. You then are released to recover. They monitor you closely since you have no immunity.
That’s the short version of a SCT. If you have specific questions feel free to contact me and ask anything.
Wishing you the best
greg

[gj]

Jonelle

The dark details are not as dark as someone painted for you. I had an auto sct in 11/05 for mantle cell lymphoma and turned 57 right in the middle of the treatment.
During the isolation period, your counts go down, I ended up sleeping most of the time. Nothing tasted good, so my doc hooked me up with fluids and liquid nutrition. While I did have loose bowels, I had no rigging for bodily functions.
While I was isolated, there was a TV in the room. I brought books, cell phone, mp3 and portable dvd player. They preferred I bring them in when I came in. Heck I got a small, soft dart board as a birthday gift and we played darts in my room.
I did sleep alot, so didn’t do much ready and things until my counts started coming up.
Each person’s experience is different, even to the point where everyone told me that about day 7 I would develop mouth sores–never did.
If you or your husband has any other questions please feel free to ask.
Good luck to you both
greg

___
dx @ 56 with MCL 3/05 auto sct 11/05
dx with MDS 3/07 1 round Vidaza, 1 round Dacogen, round 2 begins 8/28

[gj]

Wendy

Sorry to hear about your dad. An excellent source for info on transplants is BMTINFONET. They have a wealth of info. I went thru an autologous(my own stem cells) transplant in 2005 and would be happy to answer any questions about it that I can.
Wishing you both the best
greg

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