When receiving an inpatient stem cell transplant, plan to stay in the hospital from around 14-18 days. 

Key Aspects of Inpatient Recovery

• Maintain as normal of a routine as possible while hospitalized.
• Follow infection prevention rules, including daily antibacterial showers.
• Restricted movement—you won’t leave the unit except for essential tests.
• Special diet designed for immunocompromised patients.

The Day of Transplant

Your bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, which have been processed and frozen, are brought to your room on the transplant unit. The cells are thawed at your bedside in a warm solution and then given to you through an IV line attached to your catheter.

The infusion generally takes under 60 minutes. You may experience a funny taste in your mouth or an odd smell during the procedure. Some say the odor is akin to tomato soup. This is due to the preservative dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) that is used in the freezing process. You may want to suck on mints or candy during this time. The smell may last up to 48 hours.

There may be other side effects: nausea, shortness of breath, stomach cramping, and wheezing. During the transplant your nurse will be with you and check your vital signs often. She or he will be present to handle side effects you may have.

After the peripheral blood stem cells or marrow have been transfused, you may receive other medications. These may be antibiotics to prevent infection or other drugs to treat nausea or vomiting. Your doctor or nurse will explain these medications to you.