The Psychosocial Issues Faced By Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Monday Lunch Livestream

With Andrew Smith, Dr Nienke Zomerdijk and Priscilla Gates

15 November 2021

See Andrew Smith, Head of Support Services at the Leukaemia Foundation, along with Dr Nienke Zomerdijk and Priscilla Gates from the University of Melbourne, explore in this special panel discussion, the lived experience of a stem cell transplant patient.

Panellists focus on research into the psychosocial impact of a stem cell transplant, survivorship and what support is available.

People living with blood cancer can now expect a longer life thanks to stem cell transplantation. However, treatment can be gruelling and last several weeks with a range of debilitating side effects.

While some stem cell transplant patients recover with a renewed sense of life, others experience negative impacts on their health, functioning, sense of security, well-being, and relationships. It is not surprising that transplant patients experience considerable psychological distress which can affect every aspect of life.

After completion of treatment, the intensive support and observation provided by a transplant team can suddenly evaporate and can lead to a patient feeling alone or abandoned.

Panellists

Andrew Smith
Head, Support Services, Leukaemia Foundation

Dr Nienke Zomerdijk
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Psycho-Oncology
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences & VCCC Alliance

Priscilla Gates
PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne
Bone Marrow Transplant/Survivorship Clinical Nurse Consultant, Austin Health

Tim Eggleston
Consumer Representative, Leukaemia Foundation