Questions typically asked by bone marrow transplant patients, family members and friends:

Q: Are there set visiting hours on the BMT floors or can I visit anytime?
A: Emory has no restrictive visiting hours, but it is important to first call the patient or designated family member to see if it's the right time for a visit. Patients can experience unpredictable good and bad days.  And since the patient is highly vulnerable to germs, those who are feeling sick, even with a mild cold, should not make visits. After 9:00 p.m., entrance to the hospital is restricted to the main front doors.

Q: I hear that you can't bring fresh flowers to a patient. Why?
A: Fresh flowers and fruits carry bacteria, which could infect the patient's limited immune system. Alternative gifts include silk flowers, balloons, pictures, posters, stuffed animals, magazines, books, VCR movies and board games.

Q: Can someone in my family spend the night in the room with the patient?
A:  Yes. A chair that pulls out into a bed is in each room. One person is encouraged to spend the night, (with the patient's permission).

Q: What about housing nearby the hospital for family members? Is there a place you would recommend?
A: The BMT team can provide a list of local hotels or motels Also, the nearby Hospitality House provides an evening meal and free use of washers and dryers.
Family members or friends may use the services or spend the night, with a referral from an Emory social worker or chaplain. A shuttle bus runs between the Hospitality House and Emory Hospital.

Q: I live outside of Atlanta and have been told that once I am discharged from the hospital, I have to stay in the Atlanta area for follow-up in The Emory Clinic. I don't know anyone in Atlanta with whom I can stay and don't know how I am going to be able to afford housing. Any suggestions?
A: Since staying near the clinic is Emory's policy, check with your insurance company to see if housing coverage is provided.  If not, the American Cancer Society's Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge may be an option.  The Hope Lodge is free and available for outpatient follow-up cancer patients who live more than a 50-mile radius from Emory and are accompanied by a caregiver.
Your social worker can check availability when your exact date of discharge has been determined.   If the lodge is full, he or she will provide a list of local hotels, efficiencies and furnished apartments.

Q: I am worried about how I am going to be able to pay my bills while I am in the hospital because I am no longer getting a paycheck from work. Any suggestions?
A: Your Emory social worker is a great resource for information and may know of additional community resources, such as the Leukemia Society of America or The American Cancer Society, which can help provide some reimbursement for treatment related expenses. They also develop fund raising ideas.

Q: I am going to stay with my family member during his hospitalization but am unfamiliar with the Emory area. Can you tell me where the closest post office and bank are located?
A:  There are post offices, ATM machines, bookstores, grocery stores and drug stores close to Emory, with some facilities within walking distances. A social worker or hospital concierge will help with advice on getting around.

Q: Talking with others about all that I have been going through has been a great help to me. Are there any support groups offered to the BMT patients?
A: Yes. The BMT social workers provide a support group meeting once a week for patients, family members and friends who would like to participate.  These groups are a wonderful way for patients and family members to meet and support each other through sharing their experiences. Your social worker will tell you about you specific meeting times or click here for SUPPORT services offered.

Q: Can my children visit me while I am in the hospital?
A: Yes, but children under nine are restricted to visits in the waiting room.

Q: How will I get my prescriptions filled when I am discharged?
A: The BMT pharmacist will meet with you prior to your discharge and give you your prescriptions. These prescriptions can be filled at your local pharmacy or by a mail order
prescription service that the hospital can recommend. Ask your social worker or for more information.

Q: Should someone stay with me after I am discharged? Will I be able to drive?
A: You won't be able to drive and should not overextend yourself.  You will be returning to the clinic several times during the week and it is important to make arrangement for a driver to take you to and from appointments.

Q: Is there any other resource to assist me in explaining the BMT process to my family and friends?
A: Yes. The BMT program offers a monthly orientation to help patients, family members and friends understand the BMT process and requirements. Speakers include the physician, nurse, and social worker, cell separator representative and the transplant chaplain. A former BMT patient is also invited to speak. The session is held the second Thursday of every month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and concludes with a tour of the BMT and cell separator units.

Q: How will I know how to take care of myself after I am discharged?
A: A monthly Discharge Orientation addresses what you need to know about caring for yourself at home. Speakers at the orientation include nurses, nutritionis