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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Allo Transplant Is Next Up For My 28 Year Old Son. Tell Me Your Good, Bad, Ugly And Need-to-knows.

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Fountain City, IN

We have resisted this form of treatment for as long as we could. Been told by 3 heme/onc this is what HAS to happen if he wants any chance of longevity. His sister is a 100% match and he is grateful for her. Not looking forward to this but keeping our eyes on the prize of getting to the other side of this.

August 16, 2024 (edited)
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Don't fear the treatment, fear the disease. support blood donations and "be the match".

August 17, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Chemo/radiation and other drugs given prior to transplant day were rough. Fevers/accelerated heart rate/low BP/mucocytis. You all will experience highs and lows. After transplant, slowly started to see positive signs of improvement. Walking helped in the healing process. Important that you all quarantine during first 100 days to minimize any infection/illness. It’s a journey but you can do it, we looked at is as a labor of love. Good luck, rooting for all of you.

August 16, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Oh- you lose all your childhood immunity but you get new vaccinations within the next two years following SCT. At least that’s what has happened to me. The chemo right before transplant destroys it.

August 16, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Transplants have really improved over the years. My 1 yr anniversary was May 4 this year. Had donor too. 100% match. Getting sibling is even better!!
During actual transplant:eat ice chips like it’s going out of style. Use Magic Mouthwash multiple times/day. This can lessen the severity of mucositis.
It will last abt 30 minutes. Very anti-climatic but the 1st 100 days are very important. Most Allogenic sct patients stay in hospital for 3-4 weeks. It’s where you want to be during this stage. Timeframe when donor bone marrow can be rejected by you, the host (Graph vs Host) .

Best of luck to your boy!!!

August 16, 2024
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

An allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant can be a significant procedure with various aspects to consider:

The Good:
- Potential for Cure: It can be a curative treatment for leukemia, especially if other treatments have failed.
- Matched Donor: A closely matched donor can improve the chances of success.

The Bad
- Side Show Full Answer

An allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant can be a significant procedure with various aspects to consider:

The Good:
- Potential for Cure: It can be a curative treatment for leukemia, especially if other treatments have failed.
- Matched Donor: A closely matched donor can improve the chances of success.

The Bad:
- Side Effects: Short-term side effects can include fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, and skin rashes.
- Mucositis: Inflammation of the digestive tract causing pain and discomfort.

The Ugly:
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): This condition can affect the eyes, lungs, liver, digestive tract, genitals, skin, hair, or nails. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
- Infections: The combination of chemotherapy, the transplant, and maintenance medications can compromise the immune system, increasing the risk of serious infections.

Need-to-Knows:
- Lifelong Medications: Those showing signs of GVHD may need to take immunosuppressant medications throughout their lives.
- Pre-Procedure Treatments: Chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy are often required before the transplant.
- Source of Stem Cells: Nowadays, blood is the most common source for hematopoietic stem cells, though it was previously bone marrow.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the provided resources:
- [Allogeneic (donor) stem cell transplant for Leukemia](https://www.myleukemiateam.com/treatments/allog...)
- [Allogeneic vs. Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: What Is the Difference?](https://www.myleukemiateam.com/resources/alloge...)

August 16, 2024

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