The prospect of a blood or marrow transplant can be overwhelming. The patient must cope with many issues, including:

• Dealing with a life-threatening illness
• Absorbing the information about a BMT
• Making the decision to have a BMT
• Uncertainty about what can happen during the transplant

The hope for a cure sustains the patient and family members through the difficult treatment and recovery period.

What can family and friends do to help the patient?
This is a very frequently asked question. The answer varies with the patient's likes and dislikes. Ask the patient what he or she prefers. Some suggestions/ideas that you can discuss are:

Visiting: The physical condition of the patient will change on a daily basis. Some days a visit may be welcome and on other days, a short phone call may be all the patient can handle. A primary caregiver should be identified to screen the phone calls and visits.

Mail: Patients will welcome receiving mail. It keeps them in touch with the outside world and with friends and family members back home. Cards, audio cassettes, a video of family, coworkers, or school friends, and posters are just some of the items that can be mailed.

email and text messages: email and text messages can be a quick and easy way to communicate with the patient. This can help the patient to stay in touch with what is going on with family and friends.

Gifts: If you are thinking of sending a gift, keep it simple. The patient is often tired and may have a short attention span because of the medical regimen. Picture books, short stories, or easy puzzles that do not require a lot of concentration are good ideas. Do not send flowers. Some centers do not allow fresh fruits. Check with the primary caregiver for gift ideas that would be appropriate for the patient.

What to do: Your presence means a lot to the patient. Sometimes he or she may want to visit, other times just sitting with them is appreciated. You may offer to read a newspaper, book or talk about what's happening to family and friends. The patient may want to just listen, but not engage in conversation. A hand or foot massage or back rub may be enjoyed--ask the patient what he or she wants.

Where can I find a BMT support group?
Support groups provide vital information that helps BMT patients and their family members cope with the disease, face the challenges of treatment and improve their quality of life. Check with you social worker for more information about support groups. You can also click on this link to find out more about BMT Support Groups at University of Minnesota Medical Center.