Thank you so much Michelle
Hi I understand that I will need a dental check up - I cannot access a dentist and its not for want of trying and trying and trying. I moved here in 2020 and havent been able to get on anyone’s books. I am sure I read somewhere that the hospital or trust could sort this for me ? Is that the case ?
Thank you
Hi Sarah
I haven’t heard of this as a major prior requirement or advisory pre Stem cell transplant. Each hospital or team may have different suggestions around optimum health prior to the procedure. The specialist nurses here on the forum may have some information.
I didn’t have any dental check ups before hand. None of my team mentioned doing so either.
This maybe another good question for your team also.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Michelle
Hi Sarah, like Michelle I didn’t have a dental checkup immediately before my treatment and hadn’t had on for some time beforehand. In reality I didn’t have time as I was admitted to start chemotherapy within a week of being diagnosed, but I wasn’t asked about it at any point.
I think the reason will be because you will probably not be able to have treatment for some time after your transplant due to the risk of infection, so it’s probably just a precaution. If you don’t have any problems with your teeth and look after them the likelihood is that you’ll be OK.
Hope that helps,
Steve
Hi Sarah,
You can find out more about practical steps you can take to help prepare for transplant here: Medical appointments and planning ahead | Anthony Nolan. Let us know if you have any questions about this information.
I recommend that you speak with your medical team about the dentist, as they will usually sort this out for you.
If you would like to have a chat with us in the Patient Services team, please feel free to get in touch via the Helpline (0303 303 0303, Mon-Fri, 9-5) or email (patientinfo@anthonynolan.org).
All the best,
Claire (Patient Services team)
Hello
I have my addenbrookes pre transplant appointment on Thursday where I will discover if my non related matches are a possible donor and my latest bone marrow dna cells testing. I was told last year I would need stem cell transplant this year and I am extremely anxious as I feel quite well in myself. Any tips please
Hi Sarah,
I hope all goes well with your pre-transplant appointment on Thursday. I seem to remember from my own pre-transplant appointment I went through a number of tests to make sure I was fit for the transplant. The consultants also described the process of the transplant with some indications of what to expect and what might happen.
It’s good that you are feeling well in yourself and you will probably wonder whether it is worth going through with the transplant if you don’t feel ill. The transplant is probably needed to reduce the risk of your illness returning, even if you might be in remission at the moment. I was in remission after my first month of chemotherapy but still had two more months of chemotherapy afterwards which were increasingly harsher. I was considered to be of high risk of my Leukaemia returning which is why transplant was always the goal right from the outset.
Make a list of the things you are anxious about and discuss them with your clinician during your appointment. They will hopefully put your mind at rest.
There’s no doubt that a stem cell transplant is a big undertaking, but for that reason it wouldn’t be done if it wasn’t necessary so there must be a reason your medical team think you will benefit from it.
Please let us know how your appointment goes and ask us for any support you need in the lead up to, during, and after your transplant. We’re here to help and we’ve all either gone through transplants or going through the process at the moment so we understand your feelings.
All the best,
Steve
Thank you Steve
Hi
I had my addenbrookes appointment - I was expecting to be given a time frame however the consultant said even though my molecular results showed another mutation in my cells my bloods were stable in January and today and as I am fairly well in myself he is of the mind to watch and wait for a little bit. He is referring my case to a panel meeting with myelofibrosis specialist team, local team and himself to discuss way forward. He said as he cant guarantee I would be as well as I am now after the transplant, the fact its only 50% successful for myelofibrosis and 20% mortality rate, his decision was about quality of life and he didn’t want to do transplant too soon and impact my quality of life. I still need the transplant and I am mindful of the window when I am well enough to undertake transplant. I am seeing my local team next week and feel its appropriate to ask to have more regular blood tests say every 4 weeks as apparently my condition could quickly change.
I am pleased in part with this decision but worried I may miss the ‘window’ and worried about undergoing transplant with 50% success rate and coming through it with more problems than I started with.
Could I ask what your thoughts are please? I am a little perplexed x
Thank you x
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the update on your appointment. It sounds like it was quite positive and perhaps the news that you don’t need a transplant yet is good news. I know it means regular blood tests to keep an eye on things, and if something changes at least they are prepared top progress to transplant.
You said previously that you feel well in yourself and that is possibly part of the reason for the decision. As I mentioned before, a stem cell transplant is a hard process to go through so they probably don’t want to put you through it for now if your current quality of life is good. As you note they will monitor you and if anything changes they can adapt their plans. likewise if you notice any changes in your health you can no doubt contact them in return.
Steve
Hi Steve
Thank you. I think its positive I was expecting a date or time frame but I will ask to see if I can have mote frequent blood tests - they are currently every 8 weeks and just wait for the decision from the panel. I am sure they will be mindful of transplanting me in the 'window" of time.