having a transplant

Understanding the Transplant Milestone

If your child is preparing for or has just had their bone marrow transplant, you’ve reached one of the most important milestones of their treatment. It’s a big moment for them, for you, and for everyone involved in their care.

We know this time can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know.

What is “the transplant”?

The transplant itself is not a surgery. It’s a bit like a blood transfusion. Your child will receive healthy stem cells from a donor through a drip. These cells then travel through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, where they’ll start to grow and form a new, working immune system.

We often mark the day of the transplant with posters and celebration and sometimes refer to it as “Day Zero”. Everything before it is called “pre-transplant”, and everything after is part of the recovery phase.

What happens next?

After the transplant, your child will stay in protective isolation so their new immune system has the best chance to grow without infection. It’s a delicate time, but also a hopeful one.

In the days and weeks that follow, the medical team will:

• Carefully monitor your child’s blood counts and immune function

• Watch for signs that the new cells are grafting -this means they’re settling in and starting to work

• Help manage any side effects or complications

• Support your child’s overall wellbeing, including nutrition, rest, play and emotional support

Recovery isn’t always quick or predictable. Every child is different. Some bounce back quickly, others take more time.

What this milestone means

The transplant is the moment we give your child the chance to build a healthy immune system. The chance for a cure. It’s not the end of the journey, but it’s a major step forward. Everything we do from this point on is about protecting that new immune system and helping it take hold.

Some families feel anxious, others feel hopeful. Most feel both. That’s completely normal. What matters most is that you are not alone. You’ve got a whole team behind you, other families, our Bubble Buddies community.

If you have any questions today or any day please talk to your child’s nurse or doctor. No concern is too small, and no question is too much. We’re here with you.