Stem Cell Transplant Awareness

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Raising Stem Cell Transplant & Donor Awareness

As a stem cell recipient in 2006, I was very fortunate to have a twin sister to donate her stem cells to me for a life-saving transplant. Almost 3 years later, I am doing well with minimal side effects. The purpose of this lens is to promote the importance of stem cell/bone marrow donor awareness to possibly save a life for those who need it. Additionally, we are also making available our line of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Survivor & donor apparel and gifts to help promote awareness for this cause. We have also collected some pertinent information that we hope will help you if you are about to undergo this process.

Note: the above SCT Survivor shirt is available at our shop. Click here.

What is a Stem Cell Transplant? 

Credit: Mayo Clinic

When you think of a transplant, you may have an image of a major surgical procedure to replace a diseased organ. But stem cell transplants don't involve surgery. And the "organ" involved is bone marrow — not a solid organ such as a liver.

If your bone marrow stops working, your body won't produce enough healthy stem cells. And that means you may not have enough healthy white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets, putting you at risk of life-threatening infections, anemia and bleeding.

A stem cell transplant is the infusion of healthy stem cells into your body. If all goes well, these healthy stem cells take hold in your body and begin normal production of blood cells.

Although the procedure is generally called a stem cell transplant, it's also known as a bone marrow transplant or an umbilical cord blood transplant, depending on the source of the stem cells.

Credit: MayoClinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stem-cell-transplant/CA00067 

Stem Cell Transplant Survivor T-Shirts 

New Designs to wear your survivorship proudly by StemCellShirts.Com

As as stem cell transplant survivor, I designed these unique SCT Survivor shirts especially for the survivor.  These green ribbon and green color designs are exclusive to my new shop.  Click on design images below to view some of our SCT Survivor merchandise below or visit our shop directly at www.stemcellshirts.com

SCT Survivor Heart Ribbon Jr. Hoodie SCT Survivor Heart Ribbon Light T-ShirtSCT Survivor Butterfly Jr. Jersey T-ShirtSCT Survivor Butterfly Hooded SweatshirtSCT Survivor Grunge Heart Jr. Raglan"SCTSCT Survivor Grunge Baseball JerseySCT Survivor Grunge Women's V-Neck Dark T-ShirtStem Cell Transplant Grad Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Stem Cell Transplant Grad Value T-shirtSCT Survivor Green Ribbon Ringer TSCT Survivor Green Ribbon Women's Tank TopSCT Survivor Women's Cap Sleeve T-ShirtSCT Survivor Long Sleeve T-ShirtI Survived a Stem Cell Tranplant Women's T-ShirtI Survived a Stem Cell Tranplant Hooded Sweatshirt"Stem"Stem


Want to see more?  Visit our new shop dedicated to Stem Cell and
Bone Marrow Transplant and Donor Awareness Gifts at www.stemcellshirts.com

What is the difference between Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplants? 

Stem cell transplantation usually refers to cases of transplantation in which the stem cells are collected from the peripheral blood by apheresis. When stem cells are collected by harvesting them from the bone marrow, it is called bone marrow transplantation. Collecting stem cells from the blood stream is less inconvenient for the donor than harvesting stem cells from bone marrow, which requires hospitalization and general anesthesia. Stem cell collection is done on an outpatient basis.

Type of Stem Cell Transplants 

Autologous, Allogeneic and Syngeneic

There are 3 basic types of stem cell transplants: autologous, allogeneic, and syngeneic. The type of transplant is determined by where the stem cells come from.

Autologous stem cell transplant - This kind of transplant is mainly used to treat lymphomas and multiple myeloma, although it is sometimes used for other cancers. In this type of transplant, you are your own donor, using stem cells from either your bone marrow or circulating blood. Your stem cells are removed or harvested before treatment and then frozen. After you have received high doses of chemo, radiation, or both, the stem cells are thawed and given back to you.

Allogeneic stem cell transplant - This type of transplant is commonly used to treat leukemias and other bone marrow disorders. Here, the stem cells do not come from the patient, but from a donor whose tissue type (described under "HLA Matching" in the "Allogeneic Transplant: Importance of a Matched Donor" section) best matches the patient. The donor is most often a family member, usually a brother or sister. If you do not have a good match in the family, a donor may be found from the general public through a national registry.

Syngeneic stem cell transplant - This is a special kind of allogeneic transplant because the donor is an identical twin with identical tissue types. Since few people are identical twins, this type of transplant is very rare. An advantage of syngeneic stem cell transplant is that graft-versus-host disease is not a problem. A disadvantage is that this type of transplant won't help destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor T-Shirts & Gifts 

Exclusively by BoneMarrowShirts.Com

Check our our cool Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Shirts and Gifts for the courageous BMT survivors exclusively by BoneMarrowShirts.Com.  Click on design images below
to view some of our BMT Survivor merchandise below or visit our shop directly for more exclusive and unique designs created by a stem cell transplant survivor at www.bonemarrowshirts.com

BMT Survivor Green Ribbon Jr. Jersey T-Shirt BMT Survivor Green Ribbon Hooded SweatshirtBone Marrow Survivor SweatshirtBone Marrow Survivor Jr. Jersey T-ShirtStem Cell Transplant Grad Women's Cap Sleeve T-ShiStem Cell Transplant Grad Fitted T-ShirtBMT Survivor Butterfly Women's Plus Size V-Neck T-BMT Survivor Butterfly Long Sleeve T-ShirtBMT SurvivorGrungeRibbon Jr. Jersey T-ShirtBMT SurvivorGrungeRibbon Ringer TBoneMarrowTransplantSurvivor Women's V-Neck T-ShirBoneMarrowTransplantSurvivor Baseball Jersey"BMTBMT Survivor Grunge Heart White T-ShirtBMT Survivor Grunge Heart Jr. HoodieBMT Hope Love Faith Jr. Jersey T-ShirtBMT Hope Love Faith Hooded Sweatshirt"I



Want to see more?  Visit our new shop dedicated to Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant and Donor Awareness Gifts at www.bonemarrowshirts.com

Seven Phases of the Transplant Process 

Source: http://www.bmtresources.org/seven_phases.htm

Transplants have about seven phases:

1. Determining if you are a bone marrow or stem cell transplant candidate
2. Deciding the treatment that's best for you
3. Selecting a transplant center
4. Preparing for your transplant
5. Doing your transplant
6. Recovering from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment
7. Maintaining your health post-transplant

Determining if you are a bone marrow or stem cell transplant candidate.

There are now millions of people in the U.S. who have diseases or disorders that are treatable with BMTs or PBSCTs. The National Marrow Donor Program lists over 70 diseases and disorders.

Here are Web sites you can visit to learn if you're disease makes you a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant candidate:

National Marrow Donor Program
http://www.marrow.org

National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database
http://www.health.nih.gov

Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/bone-marrow-transplant/diseases.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration
http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/dot/treat.htm

The National Health Information Center
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/7_41.htm.

NexProfiler Treatment Tool
http://www.cancerfacts.com

Age is almost never a factor in bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Transplants are preformed on kids and senior citizens alike.

1. Deciding the treatment that's best for you.

2. Your doctor will decide whether you should enter a clinical trial or if an individualized treatment plan is best.

If at all possible, visit a doctor who specializes in your disease. You can search for doctors by specialty at:

People Living with Cancer (http://www.peoplelivingwithcancer.org) and the American Medical Association (http://www.dbapps.ama-assn.org).

Bone Marrow & Stem Cell DONOR T-shirts and Gifts 

Especially for those who give the gift of life

To encourage bone marrow donations, we have "Bone Marrow Donor Awareness" t-shirts and gifts.  Additionally, we have Certified Bone Marrow Donor merchandise for those who have already donated their bone marrow or stem cells to save a life exclusively by BoneMarrowShirts.Com.   Click on design images below to view some of our BMT Donor Awareness merchandise below or visit our shop directly for more exclusive and unique designs created by a stem cell transplant survivor at www.bonemarrowshirts.com. Be sure to bookmark our shop once you visit us.

My Stem Cells Saved a Life (G-Red) Women's Plus Si "MyBe a Stem Cell Donor (G) Jr. HoodieBe a Stem Cell Donor (G) Hooded SweatshirtCert. Stem Cell Donor Jr. Jersey T-Shirt"Cert.Proud Stem Cell Donor Light T-Shirt"ProudGetOnThe Bone Marrow Registry Ringer T"GetOnTheBone Marrow Donor Ribbon Women's V-Neck T-ShirtBone Marrow Donor Ribbon Ringer TJoinTheBoneMarrowRegistry Jr. RaglanJoinTheBoneMarrowRegistry Long Sleeve T-ShirtBMT Join The Registry I Did Jr. Jersey T-Shirt"BMTBone Marrow Donor (Label) Women's Tank Top"Bone



Want to see more?  Visit our new
shop dedicated to Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant and Donor
Awareness Gifts at www.bonemarrowshirts.com

Hospital Tips For The Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant Patient 

A list of things to take with you during a SCT or BMT and some helpful tips

For those who are going through a stem cell transplant or a bone marrow transplant, below is a list of tips of things you may need for those long hospital stays:

* Bring a list of drugs you take - for your own records and for the hospital files
* Bring a list of medicines you are allergic to (very important)
* Keep a list of family and friend's phone numbers
* Consider a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will (check legalzoom.com)
* Apply for Social Security Benefits prior to your SCT. If rejected, appeal or contact an attorney
* Bring a notepad and pen to write notes and names of doctors, nurses, PCAs, etc.
* Buy a calling card (most hospitals only allow you to dial within their area code)
* Check with your hospital if cell phones are allowed
* Bring a laptop -- it's a great to keep in touch and/or watch movies
* Bring light reading material like magazines to help pass the time
* Bring movies - subscribe to Netflix (this proved very helpful in helping pass the time)
* Bring your iPod or a CD player - music is therapy to the soul
* Bring games or cards - to help pass the time
* Bring hobby/craft stuff - to help pass the time
* Bring reminders of home - to keep you going strong (pictures, bible, etc.)
* Bring a fluffy pillow and a soft blanket
* Definitely bring your own PJs, robe, socks, slippers & sneakers (you may be asked to walk after your SCT)
* Pack cotton low v-neck shirts (for easy port or Hickman access)
* Pack warm sweats (it gets cold)
* Pack sleeping caps or comfortable knit caps & hats
* Bring plastic bags to store your laundry so your caregiver can take it home to wash
* Bring anti-bacterial wipes (to clean phones, counters, door knobs, etc.)
* Bring sugar free candy to lessen the taste of the heparin shots
* Go ahead, have your room decorated (it makes for a supportive environment)
* Try to keep visitors to a minimum and only essential visitors.
* Keep anyone with a cold away from you during your transplant to prevent infections and such
* WALK (exercising is very important to the health of your lungs after your stem cell transplant).
* Keep your medical team informed when you need pain relievers or when you have any side effects even if you think it's minor. Any side effect during an SCT or BMT needs to be mentioned to your medical team so that they can help you.
* ALWAYS seek the advice of medical experts and have your caregiver take notes
* Allow yourself to get some rest. This is a tough journey and sleep helps
* When in doubt, GET A SECOND MEDICAL OPINION. Go with your guts.

Stem Cell Transplant Poll 

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Related Books on Amazon 

Stem Cell Related Books

11th Hour Miracles!: Surviving a Bone Marrow Transplant

Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 01/01/2010) Buy Now

Stems of Life Picked from the Garden of Survival

Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 01/01/2010) Buy Now

Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplants: A Guide For Patients

Amazon Price: (as of 01/01/2010) Buy Now

Autologous Stem Cell Transplants: A Handbook for Patients

Amazon Price: (as of 01/01/2010) Buy Now

100 Questions & Answers About Cancer Symptoms and Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 01/01/2010) Buy Now

Important Stem Cell Transplant Links 

Detailed information on this procedure

These links will provide you with more information on stem cell transplants.
Survivor's Guide-Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant
A must-read guide for SCT/BMT patients and their caregivers
Stem cell and bone marrow transplants
This section gives information about high-dose treatment for certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukaemia.
Stem Cell Transplant Overview
An overview of stem cell transplants
Stem cell transplant - MayoClinic.com
Stem cell transplant - understand how the procedure is done.

Movies For The SCT/BMT Patient To Watch 

Help pass the time

Watching movies during my stem cell transplant procedure helped me a great deal to pass the time during a difficult time. Pick your favorite movies and have Netflix deliver to your door. As to my personal preference, I love classic movies and no, I don't mean the 80's. I mean the 1940s and 1950s. Give the classic movies a chance because you may discover a new and exciting world in cinema.

001- The Godfather

When organized crime family patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) barely survives an attempt on hi...
002- Casablanca

In this Oscar-winning classic, American expat Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) plays host to gamblers,...
003- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

While serving time for insanity at a state mental hospital, implacable rabble-rouser Randle Patrick...
004- Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The Monty Python comedy clan skewers King Arthur and his knights of the round table as they quest fa...
005- Citizen Kane

Orson Welles reinvented movies at the age of 26 with this audacious biography of newspaper baron Cha...
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by hopedreams

I'm a stem cell transplant survivor who is happy to say I'm going on my third year of remission from Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Initially, my twin s... (more)

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