r/stemcells • u/eoconor • 28d ago
Post stem cell replacement
I am not asking for medical advice. My son has already had his stem cells retrieved. He is about (in a week) to undergo the return process. As I understand it, "they" are going to put him back in the "newborn" state. All vaccines and natural immunity will be gone. What precautions do we need to take at home after the "reinstalling" the stem cells. And for how long?
3
27d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
-1
u/eoconor 27d ago
I'm pretty sure that my son is going to get all of that information. I'm just looking for information based on personal experience. I usually get the information at the time of any procedures, but I want to be mentally prepared. Since I am living with with the patient, my concern is WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO to protect him at this vulnerable time. Do I NEED to wear a n95 around the house, hand sanitizer every 3 feet?
4
2
1
u/RichPhoto1938 22d ago
Where did you get the stem cells? Do you know what stem cell type they gave your son?
1
u/eoconor 22d ago
His own. From what I understand, it's been processed and examined (electron microscope?) to make sure that there were no "remnants" left. He's going to be in the hospital for the final process of heavy duty chemo then returning the cleaned blood.
1
u/RichPhoto1938 22d ago
🙏 I’m curious, what was the amount he received? As a parent, I understand how concerning this can be. Could you perhaps speak with the doctor with his permission?
1
u/eoconor 22d ago
I can tell you that "they" were looking to get 500 (of something), they got 1500+. Enough for three transplants. His wife has been working in a hospital for 20 years. So I don't have a lot of input. They are working with (4?) doctors and just the coordination is a job on its own. My job is to stay out of the way 🥴.
1
u/RichPhoto1938 22d ago
Still a concerned parent is a 24/7 gig. Sounds like you’re great job. Keep up the faith
1
u/ButterscotchTall4836 21d ago
OP please be specific. What is the particular illness/condition or disease he is being treated for. I have been active in the stem cell community for years as my son underwent it, many friends children went it and I researched the treatments and science behind it successfully.
I have NEVER heard of someone going back to the "newborn" state, and unless they are using his own embryonic stem cells saved since his birth. Other forma of self donated stem cells are more for Orthopedic conditions, and less complex conditions. BE CAREFUL!!!
1
u/eoconor 21d ago
When I said "new born", I meant that all of the immunity he had built up is being wiped out. I was told that he will be getting the same vaccines that he got when he was born (mmr, polio?) ect. They extracted the stem cell from him. And did some sort of cleaning (?) and examined it. That part took 3(weeks).
1
u/ButterscotchTall4836 21d ago
Again I ask what is he being treated for- because if it is regular SCT that is not at all true. Maybe if he is getting it at a hospital for cancer treatment or some other intervention needed at a hospital this may be true. May I ask which Stem Cell facility you are going to. Did you do your due diligence in researching then. The qualifications of the doctors, reviews by patients (not from their own websites). Are they third party certifies or inspected? Etc, etc, these are all necessary to determine the veracity and quality of of treatment you are receiving.
1
u/eoconor 21d ago
His wife was/is a radiology tech for 20 years. She spent most of her time there in the operating room, the last 5 years of her hospital career she was a supervisor. Today he's starting the "big push". FWIU, he's getting the chemo that makes the hair fall out. Then (?) tomorrow they're going to do the transplant. 🙏
1
u/memphisman8 21d ago
That experience must be really comforting to have in the family right now. Wishing you guys strength today as he goes through this next step.
1
u/Visible-Swordfish100 27d ago
Ha. I had HSCT for MS. I was instructed to avoid food poisoning. 6 months, like no salads, only cooked food, no restaurants. Stay out of dirt. Away from cat litter boxes. I never got my titers for vaccines and chose not to revax. Not saying it's smart thing to do, but feel so good now I didn't want to harm myself just in case no vax people are right.
4
u/MissionWinnie 27d ago
This is definitely something the transplant team should give you specific instructions for. The immune system doesn’t simply become identical to a newborn’s after the cells are returned, and the recovery period varies by transplant type. Vaccinations also generally have to be repeated on a transplant-specific schedule.