What to Expect with Blood and Marrow Transplants
At Miami Valley Hospital (MVH), you may receive a blood marrow transplant as part of your cancer treatment plan. In a blood marrow transplant, you receive healthy stem cells after your own bone marrow has been destroyed. These healthy cells replace bone marrow that is either not working properly or has been destroyed (ablated) by chemotherapy or radiation.
Preparing for Your Transplant
You and your family are part of the blood and marrow transplant team. Your cooperation and input are needed for your treatment to be effective. In the interest of your health and well-being, we ask that no more than two visitors remain at your bedside at any one time. Other visitors may wait in the lounges. Ordinarily, children under 12 years of age should not visit.
Many health care professionals are available to discuss problems or concerns and they can be called upon as needed. We are here to help you understand and adjust to the experience of hospitalization.
Anyone with colds, flu, or who has been exposed to childhood diseases, or recently vaccinated, should not be on the unit. Screening visitors is for your safety and the safety of your fellow patients. Family members and friends may call the unit to inquire about your health, but legally we can only tell them your condition is good, fair, serious, or critical. If your family will be calling the unit regularly, please designate one person to make phone calls. Our phone number is (937) 208-6360. Friends and family are able to call you directly and we encourage you to remain in contact with them.
Nursing Staff
Please give any suggestions to the staff that would make your stay more comfortable. The nurses on this unit have chosen oncology and critical care as their specialties and understand the difficulties of hospitalization. To assure you of quality care, they participate in oncology nursing education programs and critical care education programs on an ongoing basis. The nurses work 12-hour shifts.
The nurse is responsible for your plan of care and for keeping all members of the health care informed of your progress. Your nurse will keep you informed about what events are scheduled for the day. Please understand that schedules may be disrupted at times. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you may have.
Conveniences
Since your family and friends play an important role in your treatment and recovery, visiting hours on the unit are flexible. We encourage your family to visit often. Guest meal trays may be ordered through Nutrition Services. These meals are prepared and delivered with your meal. Request for this service should be made 24 hours in advance. Payment is made when the meal is ordered.
In-room television offers a variety of channels for entertainment. Educational videos are also available. The unit also has a wide range of printed education materials about cancer. These printed materials will be given to you as needed to supplement your knowledge about cancer. If you have any further questions, please ask your nurse or any other nurse on the unit.
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