"Day 0" is the day of transplant or stem cell infusion. The actual transplant procedure is anti-climactic, quick, and relatively simple. If you are receiving bone marrow from a relative (brother/sister) or unrelated individual, the trasnplant will resemble a blook transfusion. THe is fresh (ie, not frozen) and infused via a catheter over 3 to 4 hours. THere are generally few side effect.

Alternatively you may be receiving stem cells or marrow which has been stored in a freezer. These may have been collected from yourself or from a donor. The stored peripheral stem cells will be brought to your bedside in a bag similar to a blood transfusion bag and quickly thawed in warm water. When fully thawed, it will be drawn up into a syringe and injected through your central venous catheter over 15 to 30 minutes by your transplant physician.

During the infusion you will smell and taste a garlic-like odor/flavor. The cause of this taste and odor is the preservative DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) which is used during the freezing process to prevent ice crystals from damaging the cells. You'll find this taste and odor will persist for approximately 30 minutes, after which you'll become used to it. The garlic-like odor may also be detected in your urine, stool, saliva, and perspiration. This odor will be noticeable to those around your for two to four days after the infusion, and will disappear completely within a week.

You may possibly experience some common side effects during the infusion. These include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. You will receive pre-medication 30 minutes before the actual infusion to reduce these potential side effects. In addition, you may notice your urine turning a reddish-burgundy color following the infusion. Your urine should return to its normal color within 24 hours. This expected side effect is due to the destruction of RBC's contained in the infusion.