You are told you need a bone marrow transplant (BMT)
Stem cell (or bone marrow) transplants are used to treat different health conditions, including:
Blood cancers: such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
Solid tumors: in pediatric and adult patients, such as neuroblastoma, brain tumors, bone and soft tissue tumors, ovarian tumors.
Blood cell disorders: where blood cells don’t develop or work normally
Immune and autoimmune problems: where the body cannot fight infections, has problem regulating its reaction to infection, or attacks the body itself
Metabolic disorders: where inherited conditions affect how the body develops and functions
Bone marrow failure: when the marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
How long will I be in the hospital
How does a transplant work
What treatments will I need before and after transplant
Best way to contact care team and know who your team is
Are you assigned a nurse navigator - establish support structure
Helpful Tips
Bring support: Take someone with you to your first appointment. It can feel overwhelming, and having another person there can help you remember information and ask questions.
Record your visit (with permission): Ask your doctor if you can record the conversation on your phone. Listening again later can help you catch details you may have missed.
Additional Resources
Otter AI – records and takes notes
Community resources: My NMDP | NMDP
Research from NMDP: Research and innovation | NMDP
Disclaimer: This Journey Map is for educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique, and care decisions should always be made in consultation with your clinical team.
We extend our appreciation to Sanofi and Alexion for their generous partnership and active participation in our community. Their support helped bring patients, caregivers, clinicians, and industry partners together to co-create this Journey Map and improve the transplant experience.
Our Journey Map was created for Patients and Caregivers by Patients and Caregivers. Please share any corrections or additions!