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Planning for Life after Transplant

You may want to know what your life after a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT) will be like. At first you will focus a lot of time and energy on your health. Many survivors say recovery takes at least a full year. However, you may feel better more quickly or more slowly. Although nearly all transplant survivors deal with some problems along the way, most say they have a good life. Some even say their life is better than before, because they have a new appreciation for the good things in life.

Your recovery

In the first months, your focus will be on eating well, avoiding infections, getting care from your doctor and other ways to stay healthy. In time, you will probably be ready to return to work or school and other activities.

Your emotional and social life

Going through treatment for a life-threatening disease can affect your emotions and your relationships with others. It is important to get the support you need to manage these challenges.

The long term

Most people who overcome the early risks of a transplant go on to live active lives. However, many also learn to live with some long-term complications.