Sage-Tips

What is a bone marrow?

(bone MAYR-oh) The soft, spongy tissue that has many blood vessels and is found in the center of most bones. There are two types of bone marrow: red and yellow. Red bone marrow contains blood stem cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

Can a person live without bone marrow?

Without bone marrow, our bodies could not produce the white cells we need to fight infection, the red blood cells we need to carry oxygen, and the platelets we need to stop bleeding. Some illnesses and treatments can destroy the bone marrow.

What are the dangers of bone marrow transplant?

Organ damage

Relapse (the cancer comes back)

Secondary (new) cancers

Abnormal growth of lymph tissues

Infertility (the inability to produce children)

Hormone changes,such as changes in the thyroid or pituitary gland

Cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye,which causes vision loss)

What is the recovery time for bone marrow transplant?

It takes time to recover. A bone marrow transplant usually means weeks or even months in the hospital. Chances are, you’ll be happy to go home. But you may be concerned about taking care of yourself. Make a plan with your medical team, and ask your friends and family for support.

What are the side effects of bone marrow transplant?

Risk of infection.

Low red blood cell count (anaemia) Your red blood cell count will fall after treatment.

Risk of bleeding.

Sickness and diarrhoea.

A sore mouth.

Difficulty eating and drinking.

Feeling tired and run down.

Loss of fertility.

What is the recovery process for bone marrow transplant?

Bone Marrow Transplant Recovery Takes Years. The study shows physical recovery often happens long before a bone marrow transplant recipient bounces back psychologically or is ready to go back to work. The study showed that the majority of patients took as long as three to five years to fully recover and return to work.