[Aclinkboca]

Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by Aclinkboca on Sat Apr 16, 2016 7:06 pm

I will be having my transplant at Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami (UM) on May 9.

Because I live in Boca Raton, which in traffic is 1 1/2 hours away from UM, it was suggested I stay at a hotel for a week after being released after the transplant.

The question is: When I stay at a hotel after being released, how does a patient keep to the dietary guidelines of not eating out and making sure all the food is prepared properly? It seems a contradiction to stay at a hotel, but I understand that if I needed help, 1 1/2 hours to get back to UM could create an issue. Any comments would help.

On the dietary restrictions after a stem cell transplant, would it be ok to have other friends cook and bring meals to me?

AC

[dogmom]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by dogmom on Sun Apr 17, 2016 11:09 am

My husband is about to begin the transplant saga the first of June. We too live just far enough away that, after his discharge, we will have to stay in a hotel for awhile. We chose one that has a kitchenette as to make it easier for me to cook. Also, we were told that if we got take out from somewhere, to microwave his for a little bit before eating as to ensure it 's safety.

Good luck to you!

[NStewart]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by NStewart on Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:34 pm

I had no dietary restrictions after I was discharged from the hospital other than the fact that I had nausea. I also had no restrictions about going out in public or eating at restaurants other than to do those things during the times of day when there wouldn't be a lot of people around. I was discharged at Day 14 post transplant.

Nancy in Phila

[Mike F]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by Mike F on Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:06 pm

I was told to avoid restaurant meals for the first couple of weeks after getting home from my ASCT. I remember getting some kind of little booklet on what sorts of foods I could eat while being immuno­suppressed. I think the recommendations were similar to what's listed at this website:

http://www.fredhutch.org/content/dam/public/Treatment-Suport/Long-Term-Follow-Up/HSC-Diet-Immunosuppressed-Patients-032508.pdf

[lrankin]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by lrankin on Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:22 pm

Does Sylvester do any pre-transplant classes for the patient and for the caretaker? Also, ironically it was encouraged to eat processed/packaged food. if friends made food they needed to ensure they washed their hands (sing ABCs 2xs) and try to stay away from raw vegetables, etc.

After my husband was sent home, if we ate out - no garnishes (lettuce, tomato, lemon, lime) as they are not thoroughly cleaned, also bring your own drink. Ice machines evidently aren't cleaned as much as you would think. No public buffets.

Pre-transplant, my husband met with a Moffitt nutritionist. They also encouraged high calorie drinks like Gatorade, etc. because they you may not feel like eating so they want you to have good calorie intake. We had to keep a daily record of eating, going to the bathroom, etc. we brought to our daily check-ins.

Also, does Sylvester have a list of "approved hotels" that clean the rooms according to some ASCT guidelines? - Ex: change the air conditioner filters? You will want to buy Lysol wipes so you can constantly be cleaning. Have a lot of hand sanitizers around for you, care giver, and any visitors. Also, you should have your own toilet or if you share one, it must be cleaned after the non-ASCT person uses it.

I think different hospitals may have variations of their guidelines. These are some we had to follow.

[nanaofbkma]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by nanaofbkma on Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:42 pm

My husband received his transplant December 8, 2015. We were released to come home on the 23rd of December. There were many dietary restrictions given to us. Also restriction about public places. Any visitors were to wash hands upon entering our house, but I'm very glad they were so adamant about things as he has done very well.

I wish everyone the very best in their journey.

[Music box lady]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by Music box lady on Mon Apr 18, 2016 10:13 pm

My hospital said no food cooked outside my room for two months after I was released from hospital. We had a hotel room with a kitchenette, so all food was prepared there. I had a lot of restrictions on handling raw food and vegetables. Also, don't handle dirty dishes. And after that period, only restaurants that cooked the food and no salad bars or buffet. Also don't use salt and pepper or catsup on tables. Order bottled water. That way you know it's clean

I stayed healthy so guess the restrictions were worth it. I was in hospital three weeks, I had a lot of nausea problems and stayed in hotel another three weeks before being allowed to come home.

Wishes for a smooth transplant for you.

[Aclinkboca]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by Aclinkboca on Mon Apr 18, 2016 11:04 pm

Thank you everyone for the replies. Why all the different suggestions on the nutrition? Seems like the requirements are all over the board.

I have not received any counseling for the stem cell transplant, nor has my wife, who will be my caretaker. Actually, today I had my psychological exam for the stem cell transplant, and I told the group at Sylvester that it concerned me there was no information that they are telling me besides be here for this appointment and then it changes. Myself and my wife would welcome such counseling, but the central line placement and the stem cell harvesting being next week, it looks like no counseling like you mentioned will be offered.

Actually, I have thought and thought on whether I should go to Moffitt, but I don't want to delay the transplant.

AC

[dogmom]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by dogmom on Thu May 05, 2016 9:09 am

AC, I hope you are doing well. The dietitian we met with yesterday said that they had relaxed some of the post transplant meal part of the process. You can have fresh fruits a veggies as long as you follow the cleaning guidelines given to you and that you prepare them yourself, no pre-cut or packaged ones.

[JenA]

Re: Meals as outpatient right after stem cell transplant

by JenA on Thu May 05, 2016 9:38 am

We were told something very similar to dogmom.

Fruits and vegetables are ok, as long as they are cleaned properly. Just no raw tomatoes, for some reason. We use a mix of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle to wash all fruits and veggies, which works very well. A veggie brush for things with skins, or in a colander for things that can't be brushed. Even things that say they are "pre-washed" must be washed. Meats must be cooked to medium or more, only eat from trusted restaurants. Lots of common sense restrictions.

My husband is starting stem cell mobilization with CDEA (cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, etoposide, and doxorubicin) in 2 weeks, leading to autologous stem cell transplant in mid-June. One day at a time ...