Expert Advice on Post-Transplant Health: A Deep Dive with Flora Stondell

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Flora Stondell, an advanced practice manager and assistant director at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Flora’s extensive experience in bone marrow transplants, particularly in malignant hematology, transplant, and cellular therapy provide us with invaluable insights.Flora begins by sharing her journey into the field, highlighting her accidental start in transplant care and her enduring passion for her patients. Her commitment is evident as she continues to balance her clinical work with her leadership role, always prioritizing patient care and workflow improvements.We then delved into the importance of screenings in early survivorship. Flora emphasizes that routine screenings, often neglected during the intense phases of treatment, need to be revisited post-transplant. These include mammograms, gynecologic exams, colonoscopies, dental care, and eye exams. These screenings are crucial to detect any preventable issues and address the heightened risk of certain cancers and other health concerns post-transplant.Vaccinations were another critical topic. Flora explains the different schedules for autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant patients. Autologous patients typically start their vaccinations about six months post-transplant, while allogeneic patients’ schedules depend on their immune system status and medication regimen. She stresses the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to ensure vaccinations are administered safely and effectively.We also cover Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD), a common complication where donor cells attack the recipient’s body. Flora describes the various manifestations of GVHD, with skin rashes being the most common and easier to treat, compared to gastrointestinal symptoms which are more challenging. She urges patients to report any symptoms promptly to their healthcare team to ensure early intervention and better outcomes.Flora provides reputable resources for further information on GVHD, including the GVHD Alliance, nbmtLINK, BMT Infonet, and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). We also acknowledged the Meredith Cowden Foundation for its dedication to GVHD awareness and support.Caregiver support is another vital area discussed. Flora highlights the importance of acknowledging caregiver fatigue and ensuring caregivers seek support and communicate openly about their needs. She emphasizes the importance of caregivers taking care of their own health to provide better care for their loved ones.In wrapping up, Flora advises patients to be patient with their recovery process, recognizing that it can take months or even years to regain their strength. She also acknowledges the psychological impact of the transplant journey, mentioning that PTSD can occur even years later. Flora encourages patients to seek mental health support if needed.Flora’s insights were not only informative but deeply compassionate, reflecting her dedication to improving the lives of transplant patients and their families. We are grateful for her expertise and the valuable information she shared.Resources:PDF files of vaccination Schedules for Auto and Allo TransplantsUC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center : https://health.ucdavis.edu/cancer/GVHD Alliance: https://www.gvhdalliance.org/Meredith Cowden Foundation http://www.cowdenfoundation.org/BMT Infonet https://www.bmtinfonet.org/NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) https://bethematch.org/National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKnbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.Thank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi  https://www.sanofi.com/ National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.