What are some of the psychological and emotional considerations?
A stem cell transplant provides hope for many patients diagnosed with certain cancers that were once thought incurable. The hope for a cure sustains patients and their families through the difficult period of treatment and recovery. Nonetheless, contemplating a stem cell transplant, undergoing the procedure and coping with the recovery process is a trying experience for the patient, the family and friends. When a patient first faces the prospect of a stem cell transplant, the news can be devastating. Many will not yet have come to grips with the fact that they’re suffering from a life threatening disease before being asked whether or not to undergo a stem cell transplant. Making this decision may have to be done quickly for the greatest likelihood of success. This adds stress to an already difficult situation. The volume of information that patients and family must absorb with their unfamiliarity with medical terms can be overwhelming. Patients and family may need to ask many questions
