After deciding to have a stem cell transplant, the process of getting ready for treatment can start. You will have several medical tests to check that you are fit for the transplant. Additionally, it is a good idea to spend some time preparing yourself both physically and mentally for any possible challenges ahead.
Conditioning therapy and the transplant are significant undertakings for your body. They may cause both short and long-term side effects that may be difficult to manage. Therefore it is essential to check that you are otherwise in good health before the treatment.
Before your transplantation admission, you and your immediate family members will be invited to meet with our transplantation medical and nursing team..
Your doctor will discuss details such as the reason for the transplantation, potential side effects or risks, and the process..
You and your family members will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any doubts. Once you agree with the medical decision of transplantation, we will need you to sign a consent form to proceed with the transplantation..
If you have questions about any aspect of your transplant, it is best to ask our doctor as they can provide advice specific to you..
Here are some pointers that can make a difficult conversation easier:
Here are some questions that you might want to consider:
We have prepared a list of things that you can pack for your stay.
A bone marrow transplant is a major medical procedure. It offers a potential curative option for some severe forms of haematological conditions such as acute leukaemia. Our doctor will work with you to determine if a bone marrow transplant is a suitable treatment option for your condition. Both the risks and benefits will be weighed. Our doctor will also explain to you the potential complications and the seriousness of each.
Engraftment refers to transplanted stem cells settling into the bone marrow to begin creating new blood cells. It typically takes between 10-14 days after the transplant for engraftment to occur.
Following a Stem Cell Transplant, patients are allowed to have contact with people in their immediate family at home. However, patients should take extra care to avoid contact with someone who shows symptoms of being sick or having a cold. Take precautions to wear a mask if you need to be in the same vicinity as someone who is ill. Visitors are also allowed, but they should visit in small groups and avoid visiting if they are sick, have recently received a vaccine with a live virus, or have recently been exposed to chickenpox, herpes, and shingles.
Several short-term and long-term complications of a stem cell transplant can result in weight loss. Short term complications such as throat and mouth pain, along with vomiting or nausea, can make it difficult for patients to eat. Additionally, long term complications following a stem cell transplant like graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) may also result in weight loss.
Our transplant team will monitor your oral intake as well as weight through the transplant journey. A dietician is an important member of our transplant team who will regularly review and advise if additional nutritional support is required.
Fatigue after a stem cell transplant is a side effect experienced by many patients. During the second and third weeks following your stem cell transplant, you are likely to feel the most tired as your blood cell counts will be at their lowest. You should begin to gain more energy as time passes. However, the fatigue can last for up to a couple of years post-transplantation.
While the time taken for a patient to return to work after a stem cell transplant varies, the earliest is between 2 to 4 months following their transplant. While the idea of being away from work for such a long period before returning may be worrying, you may want to start slow, such as going in a few times a week.
It is normal to find it challenging to match the pace of work you were comfortable at before your stem cell transplant. Our transplant team is available to help you make the transition easier and help you manage the side effects experienced during your recovery, if any.
Yes, it is possible to live a full and normal life following a stem cell transplant. While it will take time for you to regain your regular level of activity, many patients start to feel stronger between 2 months to a year after their stem cell transplant. However, patients should note that this is still the recovery period, and fatigue is to be expected.
The first stage of recovery after a bone marrow transplant typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. This is the period in which our transplant team will monitor you to see if engraftment has occurred.
Typically, patients remain in the hospital until their blood counts stabilise and the patient is fit and independent without any infective complications.
Full recovery after a bone marrow transplant can take between 6 months to a year. Full recovery after a bone marrow transplant can take between 6 months to a year.
In order for doctors to determine if your bone marrow transplant is successful, your blood count levels need to return to normal along with your immune system. This can take between 6 to 12 months. Our transplant team will continue to monitor you during this period for any issues that may surface.
A bone marrow transplant can fail if the body does not accept the new donor cells. This is known as graft failure and is suspected in patients whose counts do not increase after three to four weeks following a bone marrow transplant.
Graft failure can result in severe bleeding and infection and is more likely to occur in patients who receive a lower number of stem cells or when the patient and donor are not well matched.
Should a patient’s graft fail, they can receive a second dose of stem cells from the original donor. Sometimes a second transplant from a different donor is required.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
We partner with major insurance providers in Singapore to streamline the financial process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Contact our team for more information and support.
The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
