Stem cell transplant timing: prep to recovery. See infusion hours, hospital stay, engraftment, risks, and best practices in our web story.
Timing varies by transplant type, disease, and health. Knowing prep, infusion, and recovery helps plan well and set realistic expectations.
Autolog uses your cells and is more predictable. Allogeneic needs a donor; matching and GVHD risk can extend the overall timeline.
Bloodwork, imaging, cardiac and lung tests, plus psychological review. Goal: identify risks and build a personalized timeline.
Autolog is quick. Allogeneic matching via family or registries may take days to weeks. Closer HLA match lowers GVHD risk and delays.
Chemo radiation suppresses immunity. Myeloablative is intense with longer recovery; reduced intensity fits older or comorbid patients.
Stem cell infusion usually takes 30 - 60 minutes; sometimes several hours. It’s like a blood transfusion with close monitoring.
Autolog stay is about 2 - 3 weeks; allogeneic 3 - 4 weeks. Daily labs, infection prevention, nutrition, and symptom control are standard.
Rising white cells and platelets signal success. Timing depends on transplant type, conditioning, and the patient’s immune status.
Infection risk is highest early, then declines. Regular follow ups, medications, and home hygiene are critical. Full recovery may take months to a year.