[goin camping]

No processed meats after stem cell transplant?

by goin camping on Wed Jun 19, 2019 8:34 pm

After the stem cell transplant, my doctor gave me the very bad news: No salami or other non-homogeneous meat.

Giving up salami may not sound bad to you, but as an Italian who ate it at least four times a week, I'm still missing it two years later. I even found myself at the Italian deli staring at a beautiful Molinari hard salami, and my mouth was watering.

It the ban on processed meats after a stem cell transplant a common thing?

P.S. After a year, I was allowed two Hebrew National hot dogs per week.

[stefania888]

Re: No processed meats after stem cell transplant?

by stefania888 on Sat Jun 22, 2019 8:34 am

As far as I know, deli meats usually are off limits post transplant for a while because you're at a higher risk of listeria. After my first transplant (an autologous transplant), those were on the do-not-eat list unless they were microwaved until steaming (yuck; I went without). I don't remember how long I had to wait, I think it depends on your bloodwork and how strong your immune system is. It certainly wasn't two years!

I just had an allo transplant in February and was again told not to eat deli meat unless it was pre-packaged. I'm still on that restriction. Make sure you ask about it again.

I drive past an old Italian bakery to my appointments and can't wait until the day I can walk in and get myself a sandwich, so I hear you on that front!

[Foundry738]

Re: No processed meats after stem cell transplant?

by Foundry738 on Sun Jun 23, 2019 2:18 pm

Interesting that processed meats are singled out since it's my understanding that listeria bacteria have also been found in soft cheeses and other foodstuffs. The key point seems to be that they can grow in a refrigerated environment at 39F (3.89C) and higher, and many refrigerators in the USA have 40F (4.44C) as a default setting.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: No processed meats after stem cell transplant?

by Nancy Shamanna on Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:09 am

After I had an autologous stem cell transplant, I avoided certain foods and situations. I didn't eat raw fruits unless they had a rind such as oranges, salad greens, unpasteurized cheese, deli meats. I didn't buy foods from bins in grocery stores. I didn't use salad bars in restaurants.