Ideas for your checklist

That's a pity. Though the isolation room our lass was in in the Christie didn't have one either, we had to depend on getting the staff to supply iced drinks etc. But when daughter had Melphalan they were very good at keeping her supplied with ice chips and our lollies.

The first hospital had a fridge that I had to defrost and clean myself! The freezer compartment was totally blocked up, staff had obviously not checked that! 

Hugs xxx

'Bumping'

Bumping for Mart1

Bump

Bumping....

HI,

I just recently got a £400 cheque from cab for cancer patients. Its a grant to help me with travel.

I'm waiting for a date for transplant from Kings College. I was told after transplant first 6 weeks have to travel from my local area of Brighton, to London once a week and weekly visits to Brighton for bloods.

I found bringing my own bedding single quilt and pillow more homely.

And a read diffuser smelly insence for bedroom. Everyone comments how lovely it smells.

Squash to put into my fizzy tablets for sandok potassium 

A v pillow

Fizzy water

I move in. But now scared for the transplant, have to have my 4th bone marrow biopsy and a Hickman line one I'm an in patient at Kings, getting really anxious now

Gin

Hi Gin,

I know it's scary, but they are getting really experienced with transplants, and I'm sure will do their very best to help you all the ay. The staff know it's tough, and will help all they can. 

Ask for gas and air for the BMB as it does help provided you puff away like mad! 

Have a read of the Melphalan and ice thread on here too, as Melphalan can be really nasty on mouth and upper gut mucosa. 

Hugs xxx

Well, here I am, nearly a year after I thought I needed that info! 

Allo planned for 9th so I am cramming in Christmas and other preparations as we speak!

a few questions spring to mind... do you take sponges / whatever, to wash with? Or are they a contamination issue? Toothbrush for every day ? Lip balms ok best to have new ones? I look at them and see them harbouring germs or am I being far too OCD? 

What clothes are ideal for a pic line? Can you pull tops on and off? Wear long sleeves? I haven't had mine fitted yet and don't want to look it. Up. I just had my port removed under a LOCAL, , !an experience I won't forget too soon ! 

I read that buttoned tops are good or ones which open down the front, with my port I had to wear low cut tops. 

Has anayone been in over tue Christmas period? What's it like ? other than the last place you want to be! Xx

Hi Elmambo,

Great to hear from you and I am sending lots of warm wishes your way as you prepare for the allo in a few days time.

In relation to your questions about sponges, toothbrushes and lip balms, my gut feeling is that you should do what you are happy with. From an infection point of view, I took in new versions of everything but then I didn't change them for the duration of my stay. I changed toothbrushes once a month for the first few months. I also just tried to have a heightened awareness of infection so washed hands regularly, changed clothes / bedsheets every day (hospital should do latter for you). But having said all of that, you should probably do whatever you feel comfortable with as I had a constant state of infection for about 6 months after transplant so am probably not a good example to follow!

Regarding PICC line, I think loose fitting clothes are probably best. You are bound to feel that it is uncomfortable for a period of time but they are surprisingly durable - I have had mine in for 10 months now and I have got to the point where I forget that it is there. I just avoid sports where you do lots of overarm stretching as I was told it could dislodge the line - so things like tennis are best to avoid.

With regards to Christmas, I can't help there unfortunately although I have heard that they do try to make it as good for patients as they can. If you are going in on the 9th, there is a chance you could be discharged before Christmas  (I was in for 12 and 13 days for my two transplants) but it can often be longer so if I were you I would do as you are and celebrate with your family at home now. After all, it is St Nicholas' day in a few days time! So on that note I will wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and hope that the allo will get you to where you want to be for 2017 and beyond!

All the very best, I will be thinking of you.

Greg

Hi Elena, cannot offer any advice but sending heaps of good thoughts and best wishes that it is a short and uneventful stay and you escape quickly. 

cyber hugs

john