Some patients also receive total body irradiation (TBI) prior to transplant. Given over several days, TBI kills off cancer cells that may be in your body, and suppresses your immune system.

Immediate side effects can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore mouth and throat, swollen throat and salivary glands and hair loss.

If TBI is prescribed for you, it will most likely happen after you have checked in for your transplant. You will be taken from your hospital room to the Radiation Oncology center for treatments.

Late side effects may include cataracts of the eyes and insufficient activity of your thyroid gland, as well as diminished lung capacity. Post-transplant, these possible effects will be regularly monitored.

Talk to your doctor to see if radiation therapy will be part of your stem cell treatment plan.