Procedure- Where we are in the process...

Arriving at SCCA

Once your donor (or you, for an autologous transplant) has been prepared, you will come to SCCA.

• First visit: First, you will meet with your doctor and nurse to discuss your health history, have a physical exam and blood draw, get a tour of the transplant clinic, get consent forms to review and receive your “Patient & Caregiver Resource Manual.”
• Arrival conference: The next day, you’ll have your arrival conference. You will meet with your doctor and other members of your team to discuss your individualized treatment plan. Every transplant patient at SCCA is cared for by a team that includes an oncologist, a fellow or physician’s assistant, a registered nurse, a pharmacist, a dietitian and a social worker. Your doctor will explain the transplant process, talk with you about the benefits and risks, and answer your questions.
• Evaluation for transplant: Over the next one to two weeks, you will have a thorough evaluation to confirm your diagnosis and evaluate your health to determine whether you are ready for a transplant. Your evaluation will include tests and imaging procedures, such as blood tests, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram. Throughout this process, you will be an outpatient.
• Data-review conference: After your evaluation, you will have a data-review conference. Your doctor will meet with you to discuss the results of your evaluation, answer your questions and get your consent to proceed with your treatment.
• Education: You and your caregiver will complete classes and get individual instruction on topics like what to expect during the transplant process, how to manage symptoms once you return home and how to maintain proper nutrition so your caregiver can help you through the process.
• Donor: If you have a related donor, this person will be with you, and we will evaluate your donor’s health at this time. If you will have an autologous transplant, this is when we will collect your PBSCs or harvest your marrow to freeze and store for use in your transplant.