Bone Marrow Transplant

Hi K.,

We haven't been through a bone marrow transplant, but we have been through intensive chemotherapy and spent a lot of time in-patient at Seattle Children's Hospital with children that were going through a transplant.

At Seattle Children's they have a program where they can match you up with other families that have gone through a similar journey. (It's called Parent-to-Parent). You might check if they offer this at your hospital...or perhaps the social worker can connect you with other families. Another thought is to find on-line groups that are specific to your daughter's disease. (There are a lot of online communities for specific cancers and blood disorders). You will likely find that there parents out there that are willing to share their experiences and give their support.

If your daughter is going to be treated at Seattle Children's Hospital, let me know. I would be happy to share some tips on how to get to know the hospital well and make the most out of your time there.

Good luck!

~K.

I went through it with my son, Benjamin. He was older, however, and I know that when they are older; as awful as it is, it is a tiny bit easier. Always tell her what is happening, and be prepared to spend a lot of time on what the hospital mistakenly calls a "bed". Let your family attend all or as many of the appointments, and treatments as is humanly possible. I discovered that was one of the factors that kept my son from despairing for his life. And it kept our family from feeling like they had no power in the situation. I would be happy to talk more about it -- but you'd have to read this like a book. My e-mail is ____@____.com me a message, and I will share my cell phone #. Please know that you, your family and your child will be in my prayers. You can contact me anytime.

K.,
You and your family are in my thoughts. I am registered bone marrow donor and would like to post their website so folk can get regsitered, too!

http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/index....

Much luck to you all!

You and your family are in my heart and my thoughts. I will light a candle for your daughter.

Blessed Be.

My name is K. and I'm a nurse at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). If your child is a patient at Childrens hospital you may already be aware of the SCCA since our transplant doctors oversee all the bone marrow/ Stem cell transplants done for patients of Childrens hospital. If you are not already familiar with us I would highly recommend our facility. go to Seattlecca.org for more information. If you have any other questions I would be happy to try and answer some of them for you. I wish you and your family the best.

My brother had one and he is now doing great. I will be tested to be a donor where can I sign up?

I don't have experience with a child getting a bone marrow transplant, but my good friend had a stem cell transplant (her own cells) for her leukemia and here's the great part: it's wildly uneventful. Just one more bag to hang on the IV pole and go in through the central port. We were kind of let down that it wasn't more exciting, being it such an anticipated event, but then it was nice that it wasn't any big deal either. The worst part for my friend was, by far, the chemo preceeding the transplant--they really dosed her high for that. Not sure if any of this will be similar to treating a child, but thought I'd share. My friend is cancer-free! And I too, A. a registered bone marrow donor. All the best to you and your family.

Your family and daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. I can not imagine what you are going through.

A.