Returning to work after a stem cell transplant is an important goal for many people. Stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers. When you can return to work depends on your transplant type, recovery, side effects, and job.
When can you return to work after a stem cell transplant?
There are two main kinds of stem cell transplant. An autologous stem cell transplant uses your own stem cells. An allogeneic stem cell transplant uses stem cells from a donor. No matter what kind of stem cell transplant you have, you will need to take some time away from work.
There is no set date for returning to work after a stem cell transplant. Your body needs time to rebuild blood cells, strength, and immune health. Transplants can cause fatigue, weakness, and other effects that make work harder.
Immediately after a stem cell transplant, your immune system will not work the way it should. This puts you at a higher risk of infection. Even a common illness, such as a cold, could cause problems.
Your transplant team can help you decide when you are ready to return to work. They will let you know when to wear a mask or avoid crowds. Your health and the type of work you do are both important factors in this decision.
Returning to work after an autologous stem cell transplant
Recovery is often shorter after an autologous transplant. Your own stem cells are returned to your body, so there is no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Your immune system still needs time to rebuild. It may take about 6 months to a year for your bone marrow and immune system to recover more fully.
Before you return to work, your care team may consider:
Your blood counts and risk of infection
Your energy and strength
Ongoing side effects
The physical demands of your job
How often you are around other people at work
Your job can make a difference when you return. Someone who works from home may be able to return sooner than someone with a physical job or a job that involves contact with many people.
Returning to work after an allogeneic stem cell transplant
Recovery may take longer after an allogeneic transplant. The donor stem cells build a new immune system in your body. Sometimes, these new immune cells can react to your healthy cells. This is called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Not everyone develops GVHD, and it can range from mild to more serious.
To help prevent or manage GVHD, you may take medicines that lower the activity of your immune system. Your care team will adjust these medicines based on how your body responds. Because these medicines lower your immune response, they can also make it harder for your body to fight infections.
Preventing infections is an important part of early recovery. During the first 100 days after transplant, you may need to avoid crowds and people who are sick. You may also need to wear an N95 mask to lower your risk of infection. Your transplant team can tell you how long to take these steps.
Your workplace can also affect your risk. You may need more time away if you work around many people. This can include jobs in schools, stores, restaurants, healthcare settings, or busy offices.
Research found that people who had an allogeneic transplant were less likely to be working after transplant than those who had an autologous transplant. Your own timeline will depend on your immune recovery, GVHD, infections, ongoing medicines, and job.
Making your return to work more manageable
There are different ways that you could make your work more manageable when you return.
Consider returning to work part-time. Going back to work does not mean you need to return to full-time hours right away. In one study, 45% of stem cell transplant survivors who returned to work changed their schedule or work setting. Changes included part-time hours, flexible schedules, and working from home.
Take breaks when you can. You may also need shorter workdays, more breaks, or less physical work. Taking breaks before you become very tired can help you manage fatigue.
Consider what to tell your coworkers. Returning to work can also bring questions about what to tell your coworkers. There is no single right way to talk about your cancer or transplant. You can decide how much you want to share. Staying in touch with coworkers during recovery may help make your return easier.
Talk to your employer and ask for help. Talk with your employer about changes that could make your return easier. Your healthcare team may also provide a letter that explains how your health may affect your work or schedule.
Know your rights. If problems come up at work, you can talk with your supervisor or human resources department. Some people with cancer may experience legal protections from unfair treatment at work. You may also be able to ask for changes that help you do your job. A social worker can help you learn about your workplace rights and other resources.
Plan your return with your transplant team
There is no single timeline for returning to work after a stem cell transplant. People with an autologous transplant may be able to return sooner. Recovery after an allogeneic transplant may take longer because the immune system has more rebuilding to do.
Talk with your transplant team about your health, infection risk, job duties, and work setting. Together, you can decide when to return and whether changes to your schedule or duties may help.
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