[shaznics]

Stem Cell Transplant Day 9 - what now?

by shaznics on Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:52 pm

Hi All

My husband started the stem cell transplant process on 1 December, High Dose chemo on 2 Dec and stem cells given back on 3rd Dec.

His white cell count dropped to zero yesterday. He is doing okay. Lots of back pain, tiredness and some nausea, but generally looking good and his doctor says he is doing good.

My question is how do we know that the stems cells are kicking in and working? Is his white cell count expected to rise now and what measurements are we looking for?

If his white cell count is zero today, what is the likelihood of him being okay to come home in 5 days?

Any other feedback of what to expect over the next 2-3 weeks would be great.

Thanks a mil and apologies if I am repeating questions!

Sharon

[LibbyC]

Re: Stem Cell Transplant Day 9 - what now?

by LibbyC on Mon Dec 09, 2013 9:02 pm

Hi Sharon,
They will measure the level of white blood cells etc probably every day. It will probably take from 7 to 10 days to see any "new" cells, so if he got them back on the 3rd you might see them on the 10th at the earliest. 10 days after transplant would be the 13 th. Remember the doctors would want to see his white cells at a specific level before he goes home.
All the best,
Libby

[wetm]

Re: Stem Cell Transplant Day 9 - what now?

by wetm on Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:01 am

When my husband had his transplant, the hospital needed his wbc to get to a certain level, and remain at least that high for 3 days, before we were able to leave for home. Each day they wrote the count on a white board in his room (he was hospitalized due to severe nausea). Ask your transplant center what # they want, and about when can you expect that. When it happens - it's a celebration day!

[NStewart]

Re: Stem Cell Transplant Day 9 - what now?

by NStewart on Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:22 pm

I don't remember exactly which blood test levels were being watched and posted in my room each day, but it was at least these: WBC, HgB, platelets and ANC (absolute neutrophil count). Once they begin to rise they begin to rise fairly quickly. Mine bottomed out around day 8 or 9 and I was discharged on day 13.

When your husband comes home he will likely be quite tired. We tend to be more active at home with all of the things going on around us and with more people nearby. So, frequent naps/rests are needed. It's important to exercise some and to go out for walks every day. I managed walking 1/2 block during the first few days home and gradually increased the distance. I had to go in for labwork 2x per week for a few weeks and a doctor's appointment once a week for a few weeks. Those really wore me out. I went out for short shopping trips, movies and to eat starting the 2nd week home. Unfortunately I had nausea for quite a long time, but other than that nothing except fatigue that improved week by week. I went back to work 10 weeks after the transplant to a fairly physical job.

I hope that your husband does well going forward. Try to keep the holidays at a low key for him this year.

Nancy in Phila