You will be cared for by not only your transplant physician but by a transplant team. The team members include:
Primary Oncologist Your primary oncologist has been caring for you and has referred you to the Transplant Program. He or she will continue to follow your progress, even if s/he is not directly involved in your care.
Transplant Physician During the transplant treatment, the transplant physician will closely monitor all aspects of your care, including during hospitalizations. Your transplant physician will keep your primary oncologist informed of your progress. There is a transplant physician available 24 hours a day.
Surgeon Your transplant physician may ask a surgeon to insert a central venous catheter for pheresis or use during your treatment.
Other Specialty Physicians Depending on your particular needs and the side effects you experience during treatment, your transplant physician may ask other physicians who are specialists to assist in your care. Your transplant physician is always the physician directing your overall care during the transplant treatment. If you become confused by information given to you by different physicians, always refer your questions to your transplant physician.
Transplant Nurse Coordinators The transplant nurse coordinators will work with the other members of your care team including your own caregiver(s) to make sure your treatment is planned, scheduled, and carried out. They will teach you many things about your transplant and your care and will be one of your primary resources. This nurse has had special training and experience in stem cell transplantation.
Transplant Nurses They are the nurses that will administer your chemotherapy, educate you and your caregiver(s) and monitor your response to therapy. They are trained in chemotherapy and transplant care.
Financial Coordinator The financial coordinator will work with patients, family members, and insurance providers or medical plans to help patients obtain reimbursement for the costs related to transplantation. The financial coordinator will help you understand the cost and reimbursement for your care before treatment begins.
Office Coordinator The office coordinator is the person who schedules the dates and times of your appointments and tests. He/she also helps to coordinate the activities of the transplant clinic. Call him/her if you have questions about your schedule or if you need to make a time change.
Data Coordinator The data coordinator is the person who will send pertinent information about your transplant to organizations that require certain information. He/she will assign you a number that will be used instead of your name to keep your information confidential.
Laboratory Staff The laboratory staff ensures that the proper tests are performed at the proper times and the results are communicated. Laboratory personnel are also involved with the collection, processing, storage, and thawing of your stem cells.
Pheresis Specialist These are trained nurses who operate the pheresis machine who may collect your or your donors stem cells. They are specially trained in this procedure.
Social Workers A medical social worker and counselors are available to you and your family to help with the feelings you may have as you go through transplant. They can also help with practical matters such as transportation, housing, disability, and financial concerns, and finding spiritual support.
We also have support groups and former patient mentors!