The 7 Steps of Bone Marrow Transplantation

When a bone marrow gets damaged or if it is destroyed by any disease, infections or by chemotherapy then by performing the transplantation the weak or damaged cells is replaced by healthy cells i.e.

a healthy bone marrow replaces the unhealthy one. It is a medical procedure in which the blood stem cells travel towards the marrow which in turn produces new blood cells and promote the growth of new marrow.

It looks like a sponge. There is a fatty tissue present inside your bone which creates the following parts of blood:

• Red blood cells (RBC's), carries oxygen and nutrients throughout body
• White blood cells (WBC's), which fights infection
• Platelets, responsible for forming of blood clots

They help in generating enough WBC's, RBC's or platelets to prevent infections, bleeding disorders, or anaemia.

Bone Marrow Transplant Types

They have been categorised in two ways:

• Autologous BMT
• Allogeneic BMT

7 Steps of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Step 1: - Planning Ahead

You will have to manage your personal issues and plans simultaneously so that you can pay full attention to your recovery.

Step 2: - Preparation

The primary element of development is that you will have to prepare the donor for a transplant, whether you are or someone else is the donor.

Step 3: - Conditioning

When you and your donor are ready for the transplant, your doctor will begin with your conditioning regimen. That means you will receive chemotherapy, total body irradiation, kill your cancer and unhealthy marrow.

Step 4: - Transplant

Your transplant will take place only after your conditioning is fully complete.

Step 5: - Waiting for Engraftment

Engraftment is the process in which the stem cells that has been received from the donor starts growing and developing. That means the marrow of bone and immune system are recovering. You will be closely monitored and treated for any side-effects or complications that arise. Your transplant team and the caretaker will support you emotionally.

Step 6: - Recovering After Engraftment

After an allogeneic transplant, the initial recovery period is for about three months only and for autologous it is only one month. You will be under strict observation, and regular blood tests will be scheduled for you.

Step 7: - Long-term Recovery

There is an extended recovery period after allogeneic transplant in which you may meet the hospital staff for a long-term follow-up program. You will be provided with life-long resources related to your operation. They will sit and work with your team to give you discharge evaluation. If it were to be an autologous transplant, there would have been no long-term issues.

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