What to expect from autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma

After initial myeloma treatment, medicines may mobilise blood-forming stem cells so they can be collected and stored. Conditioning treatment is then used before the stored cells are returned through a catheter. The cells help restore marrow blood production; maintenance treatment and monitoring may follow according to your individual plan.

During early recovery, low blood counts may lead to infection risk, anaemia, bruising, or bleeding. Conditioning can cause nausea, mouth soreness, diarrhoea, appetite changes, hair loss, and fatigue. The team also considers hydration, kidney function, calcium balance, pain, and bone health as part of myeloma support.

Arrange a caregiver, transport, food preparation, and help with daily tasks before admission. Take anti-sickness medicines and other prescriptions as directed. Follow instructions about fluids, food safety, mouth care, hand hygiene, visitors, and catheter protection. Record temperature, symptoms, drinking, bowel changes, and medicines.

Use gentle movement to preserve strength when the team approves it, while avoiding falls and overexertion. Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin, supplements, or herbal products unless your clinicians confirm they are suitable, especially when platelet counts or kidney function are changing.

Call your transplant team immediately for the fever threshold they provided, chills, new respiratory symptoms, burning urine, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, bleeding, worsening mouth sores, or inability to drink. Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, seizure, collapse, or sudden weakness. Report reduced urine or rapidly increasing swelling promptly.

Ask how stem cells will be collected, what conditioning medicine you will receive, how kidney and calcium concerns will be monitored, and which medicines should be paused. Ask about caregiver duties, discharge criteria, maintenance treatment, dental care, exercise, and follow-up testing.