Sophia was diagnosed with stage III myeloma, which is a type of
blood cancer. She was working as a teacher in an engineering college.
The diagnosis came as a shock for her. She needed a stem cell transplant
to produce blood in her body and also some other components for her
immune system to work. Her own stem cells were recovered and harvested
in a system. These cells were then put back into her body intravenously.
After a 3-weeks hospital stay, she returned to her home to face a new
set of challenges. Here are 5 tips that she shared with me to recover
from the transplant.
1.Read the post-transplant manual
Ignorance
is bliss, but it can be pretty dangerous for you if you have just
returned home after a transplant. There is no substitute for staying
updated about the post-transplant care. Get help for readying your home.
Nothing could be better than a disinfected, and clutter-free home. Let
your family and friends take up the task of dusting, organizing,
laundry, and vacuuming. And you enjoy the break from the household work!
2.Keep talking and laughing - even in isolation
Infection
is a major concern for the patient. Sophia had to limit face to face
interactions with her family and friends for 2-3 weeks. During this
period, they would wear masks and gloves.
However, you can always
talk and laugh with your near and dear ones using Skype and other video
chatting technologies. Sophia had to wait for about 30 days before her
first public outing.
3.Do not attempt to do everything on your own; recognize your limitations
Managing
3 small children can be a tough job. So, Sophia would take a nap in the
afternoon before her 3 school going kids would come back. This would
energize and prepare her for the late afternoon and early evening rush.
Her husband would take over the household tasks once he arrived from his office.
4.Build up your strength
After the bone marrow transplant,
you may feel as weak a new born baby. And you'll have to start all over
again. Sophia started walking in her small garden the first few days,
and then went on increasing distance and time outside. She gradually but
continuously built up her strength.
5.If you have kids, adapt to stay safe
Sophia
could be around her kids as long as they were not sick. Kids too didn't
mind wearing masks and gloves during the first few weeks. Safety was
the top-most priority, at least during the first 100 days after
transplant. So when the kids would jump off their school bus and reach
home, hand wash and cloth changing were the first requirement.
Sophia
is pretty well these days. And she always takes out time to pray, love,
and be loved. The message that Sophia gives is clear: there is life
after stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Don't give up if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Bone marrow transplant
/stem cell transplant is a life-saving procedure, and with the tips
shared above you can recover quickly after the transplant. Don't give
up. Live your life to the fullest.
