Blood Stem Cell Transplant

A blood stem cell transplant with a high dose of chemotherapy is a standard treatment for some patients with some types of lymphoma (cancer in the lymph nodes) and multiple myeloma.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks, and explain the treatment program for high dose chemotherapy and stem cell reinfusion (putting the stem cells back into your body). 

Stem cells are your “grandparent blood cells.”  They are removed from your peripheral blood stream (from the blood in your veins not from your bone marrow), by a process known as apheresis (ay-fur-ee-sis). This procedure will be done in Ottawa.  

Your stem cells are frozen and then stored. After your high dose chemotherapy, they are thawed and reinfused into your bloodstream, through your veins. This will be done on the 4th floor of the Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital (HRSRH). 

The stem cells are needed to help your body recover from the high doses of chemotherapy used to treat your disease.

Many people will be involved in your care while you are going through this process. This team includes you and your family, your oncologist (cancer doctor), your primary (main) nurse, the stem cell nurse, and a supportive care team. 

• Your primary nurse will be present at your clinic appointments and support you throughout this treatment.
• On your first visit, you will meet the stem cell nurse, who will provide you with details of the program.
• The supportive care team includes social workers, dietitians and clinical psychologists. They can help you deal with any emotional, social and practical impacts that you may be feeling with your illness.