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| Where will
the healthy stem cells come from? Your new stem cells will be donated by someone whose marrow type closely matches your own. Family members will be tested to see whether their marrow is a good match. If not, the hospital will look for a donor who is not related to you. Sometimes patients can donate stem cells back to themselves. Your doctor will let you know whether this is possible. If not, finding a donor could take months. As you wait, doctors will treat any symptoms you have the best they can. During this time, try to build your strength through a healthy diet and exercise. (Pages 24-25 explain more about marrow matching and cell collection.) How are the new stem cells transplanted? You’ll receive the donated stem cells through an IV. They’ll travel through your  bloodstream
to the space in the center of your bones. There, they’ll set up their
factory and start producing healthy new blood cells. (Pages
26-27 describe the transplant in more detail.) About one-third of all BMT patients will have a siblings whose bone marrow is a good match. |
 “In the beginning, I didn’t want to know anything about my treatment. But later, I wanted to know everything that was going to happen—no secrets. When I know what’s going on, I’m not as scared.”  Age 12, 3 years after transplant |