Meeting your consultant

Other healthcare professionals report back to them regularly, so that they have the best overall picture of your health.

They'll be able to talk to you in detail about your situation, possible treatment options and how they might affect you. You'll have the final say on which treatment is best for you, but they'll make sure you have all the information you need to make that decision. 

If you have a question about any aspect of your transplant, it’s best to ask your consultant (or someone from your medical team) because they can give personalised advice, specific to you.

Talking about your body and your feelings can be difficult and it's perfectly normal to feel nervous about it. These ideas might help you get the best out of the conversation:

• Write down the questions you want to have answered and take them with you.
• Remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question! In fact, you can never have too many questions.
• Ask people to speak more clearly, repeat themselves or explain something in a different way if it helps you. There's nothing wrong with doing this.
• Don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand. The only person who matters is you, and your medical team are there to help you.
• Consider taking your partner, a family member or a friend with you if allowed. They can help you remember all the information you’re given and are also great for emotional support.

Questions

You might be unsure what to ask your consultant about. If so, here are a few questions to get you started:

• Why do I need a transplant to treat my blood cancer or blood disorder?
• How will you find a donor for me? How long does it take to arrange the transplant?
• Will the NHS pay for my treatment and transplant?
• Is there anything I can do myself to prepare for my transplant?
• What is the likelihood of my transplant being a success?
• Can I join a clinical trial?
• What are my chances of making a full recovery and how long will it take?
• What side effects am I likely to experience from my treatment?
• What will my stay in protective isolation be like?
• When can I return home and how long will it be before I can return to work?
• How will my treatment affect my chance of having children in the future?