Begin Chemo and/or Radiation

Patients usually receive chemotherapy and/or radiation before the transplant, which prepares the body to receive new cells. There are a few different types of regimens, and your care team will decide which one is best for you.

Different types of regimens:

Myeloablative (high intensity) -- uses strong doses of chemotherapy to remove of all bone marrow cells
Reduced-intensity (RIC) -- uses lower doses that are less toxic, often for older or medically fragile patients
Non-myeloablative -- minimal intensity, relying more on the donor's immune system to provide a new immune system.

What Is Chemotherapy? It is given before the stem cells to prepare the bone marrow for the new cells. Why It Matters:

Eliminate diseased/cancer cells
Eliminates immune system cells
It makes room for new stem cells to grow
It reduces the risk of transplant rejection

💡Chemo Prep Tips

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Ask your team what side effects to expect and how to manage them (next step has more info)

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Stay hydrated and eat what you can---nutritional support is available

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Bring comfort items for long infusion days (books, music, snacks)

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Use a calendar or app to track medications and appointments

💡Infection Prevention Tips

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Wash hands frequently and avoid crowds

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Wear a mask if recommended by your team

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Keep your central line clean and follow care instructions

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Report any fever, chills, or signs of infection immediately

🩺Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Bring these to your next appointment

What type of preparative regimen will I receive?

How does it compare to what other patients receive?

What are the short- and long-term side effects?

What should I expect during chemotherapy or radiation?

How can I prepare emotionally and physically?

What support is available for my caregiver?

📋Mental Health Servies/Support Services

Recovery after transplant is complex---and you don't have to navigate it alone.

These support services are designed to meet emotional, physical, spiritual, and practical needs for both patients and families.

Who	Services Provided
Social Work	Help with housing, insurance, and caregiver support
Mental Health	Counseling for patients and families
Child Life / School	Support for kids and school transitions
Physical Therapy	Help with strength, movement, and recovery
Home Health Care	Nursing support at home
Pain / Palliative Care	Comfort and symptom management
Chaplain	Spiritual care and emotional support
Pet Therapy	Visits from trained therapy animals
Financial Services	Help with billing, insurance, and aid programs

Talk with your provider about which support services may be right for you. Everyone's recovery is different, and your care team can help match you with resources that fit your needs---whether it's emotional support, physical therapy, school planning, or home care.