[kriddy]

Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by kriddy on Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:05 am

Hello I am new here looking for some reassuring stories.

My mother in law is day 7 post autologous stem cell transplant and has severe mucositis that has now turned into infection. She is unable to eat or drink.

She is also having fevers that the doctor has said are concerning.

All her levels hit 0 yesterday they also think she has a build up of fluid somewhere that needs investigating.

I am just looking for similar stories with a good outcome as we are new to this with her only being diagnosed in sept 2013. Also we are from Australia.

[darnold]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by darnold on Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:26 pm

Everyone reacts differently to the drugs associated with a SCT. You'll find postings on this site from patients who had few side effects, and those of us who were very sick. I was one of the latter, and ended up in-patient for a week. But I got past it and got to complete remission and here I am 4 years later staying well. The side effects, however lousy, are all part of the journey.

[Guitarnut]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by Guitarnut on Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:53 pm

I had my SCT in June of 2012. I was horribly sick from the process. No mucositis but the nausea and taste alterations were severe, not to mention the fatigue. I was in and out of the hospital 3 times after initial release.

However, that being said, I am now in CR which made it all worth it. As was said above, it's all part of the journey and we all react differently but the end result is worth it! Hang in there!

[kriddy]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by kriddy on Wed Feb 12, 2014 5:18 am

Thank you both for replying its great to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 4 years CR thats fantastic.

[Dr. Ken Shain]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by Dr. Ken Shain on Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:45 pm

Transplant is not always easy that is for sure. These are not atypical issues in the setting of high dose melphalan. We wish your mother well. And with good care she will recover soon. Please keep us updated.

[kriddy]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by kriddy on Mon Feb 17, 2014 12:47 am

Her throat pretty much cleared up over night she was discharged on day 14 even tho she has VRE. She is very happy to be home but is extremly tired and week. She also seems very sad and depressed. How did everyone else cope after coming home?

[JBarnes]

Re: Stem cell transplant complications - are these normal?

by JBarnes on Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:51 pm

When you are phyically exhausted you also get mentally exhausted. I think most of us that went through a SCT expierenced some of this. The good news is that it will get better and better physically from now on. Day 1 - 14 is the worst stretch. If the depression continues for a couple of months seek a doctors advice. Jerry.