Chronic GVHD Survival Tips from Nurse Krista Wood

In today’s episode, we talk with Krista Wood, a registered nurse with the Cell Therapy and Transplant Program at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). Krista shares her invaluable insights and experiences working with patients dealing with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common complication following stem cell transplants. Our discussion delves into the importance of communication, post-transplant care, and finding joy and purpose during survivorship.

Krista emphasizes that early detection and treatment of GVHD are critical. She encourages patients to report any changes, no matter how minor they may seem, and reassures them that healthcare teams are there to help. This open communication is vital, as post-transplant life can be overwhelming with fears of relapse or complications. Ensuring patients have direct access to their care team can ease their anxieties and foster trust.

Routine health checks, like blood work and pulmonary function tests, play a crucial role in monitoring potential complications. Krista explains the importance of tracking liver enzymes, bone density, and lung function to catch and address issues early. She underscores that post-transplant care goes beyond the transplant itself, extending to overall health maintenance, including routine screenings like mammograms, dental care, and colorectal exams.

Reconnecting with life post-transplant is another important theme. Krista encourages patients to rediscover the activities they loved before their illness, whether it’s returning to work, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies. Work and social engagement provide purpose and can aid emotional recovery. For those who can’t return to work, finding alternative ways to contribute, such as volunteering with organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or HealthTree, can offer fulfillment and connection. (Note: the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK) has a peer mentor program as well, email [e-mail] if you'd like to be a peer or need a peer mentor. )

Preparing for transplant and understanding GVHD beforehand is crucial. While some patients prefer to know everything, others may only want the basics. Krista and her team provide consistent education in manageable increments to help patients absorb key information. She explains factors that increase the risk of GVHD, such as donor characteristics and patient preconditioning, and stresses the importance of entering the transplant process in the best possible physical shape.

Krista also highlights the importance of addressing sensitive topics like sexual health, which many patients are reluctant to discuss. She brings up these issues proactively, ensuring patients feel supported and have access to necessary resources.

Finally, Krista shares stories of hope, including patients who, despite long-term challenges, have regained a sense of normalcy and fulfillment. She reminds us that while every patient’s journey is unique, resilience and adaptation are common threads in their recovery.

This episode is a testament to the critical role nurses like Krista play in guiding patients through this complex medical journey, offering care, education, and encouragement every step of the way.

More:

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org
• HealthTree Foundation: https://www.healthtree.org
• GVHD Alliance: https://www.gvhdalliance.org
• Link to LLS free Nutrition Consultations: https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/food-and-nutrition
• 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 [phone].

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

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