Bone Marrow Transplant Hospital Stay:  A Simple Checklist

Getting ready for your bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a big step, and knowing what to expect can help ease your mind. This checklist is designed to help you prepare for your hospital stay, from what to pack to what to expect each day.

Remember: Every transplant journey is unique. Your medical team will provide the most accurate and personalized information for your specific situation.

Before You Go: Packing & Prep

• Comfortable Clothes:

  • Soft pajamas or loungewear (easy to get on/off)

  • Slippers with good grip

  • A comfortable robe

  • A few changes of underwear

  • Head coverings

  • Personal Thought:  I coordinated with my wife about her hospital visits and ensured I had enough clean clothes until her next arrival 

• Personal Care Items:

  • Soft toothbrush and toothpaste (gentle on gums)

  • Unscented soap, shampoo, and lotion (your skin may be sensitive)

  • Lip balm

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Deodorant

  • Paper Towel. 

  • Personal Thought:   Due to my heightened sensitivity, I found the smell of the hospital's paper towels unbearable and chose to use my own. 

• Entertainment & Comfort:

  • Books, e-reader, or magazines

  • Phone, Tablet or Laptop (with chargers!)

  • Headphones

  • Your favorite pillow or small blanket (some people find this comforting)

  • Photos of loved ones or comforting items

  • Puzzle books or coloring books

  • Eye mask

  • Ear Plugs

  • Personal Thought:  My intentions were good, as I brought a large collection of books, games, and puzzles for diversion during my stay. Unfortunately, the fatigue, blurry vision, and cognitive fogginess (common side effects of chemotherapy and BMT) meant that most of these activities went untouched.

• Important Documents:

  • ID and insurance cards

  • List of all medications you currently take

  • Contact information for your support person(s)

• Other Useful Items:

  • Small notebook and pen for questions/notes

  • A reusable water bottle

  • Any special dietary needs you need to communicate

During Your Stay: What to Expect

• Daily Check-ins:

  • Doctors and nurses will visit regularly to check on you.

  • Don't be afraid to ask questions!

• Medications:

  • You'll receive many medications to help with the transplant, prevent infection, and manage side effects.

  • Nurses will explain what each medication is for.

• Monitoring:

  • Your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, etc.) will be checked often.

  • Blood tests will be done frequently to monitor your progress.

• Hygiene & Care:

  • Nurses will help you with daily hygiene as needed.

  • Personal Thought:  Showering with a PICC line is difficult.   The nurses will also have to wrap and cover it very carefully to keep it dry and prevent infection. 

• Visitors:

  • Follow hospital guidelines for visitors – they may be limited to protect your health.

  • Visitors may need to wear masks or other protective gear.  

Food & Drink:

• • Hospital meals will be provided. Your diet may be restricted at times.

  • Let your care team know about any food allergies or strong dislikes.

  • Personal Thought:  Expect your sense of taste and smell to fluctuate daily, which is incredibly difficult to manage. For me, it meant I never knew what to order, so I always kept plenty of my own food and drinks from home on hand. 

• Rest & Activity:

  • Rest is crucial, but light activity (like walking in your room if allowed) can also be helpful.

  • Listen to your body and your medical team's advice.

• I was encouraged to walk the hospital halls during my stay.

Why Walking is So Important During Your BMT Stay

You might wonder why, when you're feeling tired and unwell, your care team wants you to walk. There are several really important reasons:

• Boosts Circulation: Walking helps your blood flow better. This is crucial for healing, delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and preventing blood clots, which can be a risk, especially with long periods of rest.

• Strengthens Muscles and Prevents Weakness: Even a short walk can help maintain muscle strength. Lying in bed for long periods can lead to rapid muscle loss, making recovery much harder. Walking helps combat this "deconditioning."

• Improves Lung Function: Getting up and moving helps expand your lungs and clears airways, reducing the risk of pneumonia and other lung complications. Deep breaths and movement can help prevent fluid from building up.

• Enhances Bowel Function: Anesthesia, pain medications, and reduced activity can slow down your digestive system. Walking gently stimulates your bowels, which can help prevent constipation and promote a return to normal function.

• Mental Well-being: Getting out of your room, even just for a short stroll down the hall, can do wonders for your mood. It breaks up the monotony, provides a change of scenery, and can help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety. It gives you a sense of agency and progress.

• Better Sleep: While it might seem counterintuitive, light activity during the day can actually improve your sleep quality at night, which is vital for healing.

• Managing Side Effects:

  • Your team will help you manage any side effects like nausea, fatigue, or mouth sores.

  • Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.

• Emotional Support:

  • It's normal to feel a range of emotions. Talk to your care team, a social worker, or a trusted loved one.

Your care team will always let you know what's safe and appropriate for you based on your energy levels and medical status. Even short, frequent walks can make a big difference in your recovery!

Getting Ready for Home (Discharge Prep)

• Understanding Your Medications:

  • You'll get a detailed list of all medications you need to take at home, including dosages and times.

  • Ask questions until you feel confident!

• Follow-up Appointments:

  • You'll have appointments scheduled for continued care and monitoring.

  • Know the dates, times, and locations.

• Signs to Watch For:

  • Your team will explain what symptoms or signs mean you need to call them or seek immediate medical attention.

  • After discharge, consistently monitoring your temperature and blood pressure 3-4 times daily will be crucial. I've created an easy-to-use chart to simplify this tracking 

• Dietary Guidelines:

  • You may have specific food restrictions or recommendations for when you go home.

• Activity Restrictions:

  • Understand what activities you can and cannot do initially.

Take Your Time and Pace Yourself

During your bone marrow transplant recovery, even general activities will take time and won't be easy. It's crucial to pace yourself.

What does "pacing yourself" truly mean in this context?

• Don't Rush Anything: Simple tasks that used to be second nature, like showering, getting dressed, or even eating a meal, can become exhausting. Give yourself extra time for everything. Trying to rush will only lead to frustration and increased fatigue.

• Listen to Your Body: This is perhaps the most important advice. Your body is working incredibly hard to recover and rebuild. Fatigue from chemotherapy and the transplant is profound and unlike normal tiredness. If you feel tired, rest. If you feel weak, sit down. Pushing through exhaustion can set back your recovery.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Instead of trying to clean your entire room, perhaps just tidy one small area. If a shower feels too overwhelming, maybe just wash your face and brush your teeth. Breaking larger activities into manageable chunks makes them less daunting and less taxing.

• Prioritize Rest: Naps aren't a luxury; they're a necessity. Schedule rest periods throughout your day, even if you don't feel completely exhausted yet. Proactive rest can prevent you from hitting a wall.

• Don't Compare Yourself to Others (or Your Former Self): Your recovery journey is unique. It's easy to get frustrated when you can't do what you used to, or what another patient might be doing. Focus on your own progress, no matter how small it seems. Celebrate tiny victories.

• Accept Help: This isn't a time to be a superhero. If friends or family offer to help with meals, errands, or household chores, say "yes." Conserving your energy for essential recovery tasks is vital.

• Be Patient: Recovery from a bone marrow transplant is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad days. Allow yourself the grace to recover at your own speed, understanding that progress isn't always linear.

Remember, pacing yourself isn't about being lazy; it's about being smart and strategic with your limited energy to ensure the best possible recovery.

• Contact Information:

  • Make sure you have emergency contact numbers for your transplant team.

• Home Environment Prep:

  • Ensure your home is clean and safe for your return.

  • Discuss any special needs with your care team.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Your medical team, family, and friends are there to support you every step of the way.