Giving back the stem cells

A day or more after the high-dose treatment has finished, your own, or the donated, stem cells will be given to you through your central line. This is similar to having a blood transfusion|.

The stem cells will find their way back through the bloodstream to the bone marrow. In the bone marrow they will start to grow and develop into mature blood cells. It will be at least two or three weeks before some of the ‘new’ blood cells are released into the bloodstream. It may then be up to six weeks before you can leave hospital. This is because you will be very vulnerable to infection until your body is once again producing enough blood cells to protect you.

You may be given growth factors| through your central line|, PICC line| or implantable port|. These stimulate your bone marrow to start producing new white blood cells more quickly. Using growth factors can reduce the length of time you are at risk from some of the side effects|.

If you are having an allogeneic transplant (from a donor) you will usually stay in a single room to help protect you from the risk of infection. This is especially important when your blood count is at its lowest, about 2–4 weeks after the high-dose treatment.