ATG treatment /Rabbit antigens

Hi as previously explained I am awaiting bone marrow transplant. Have been told I will need rabbit antigens or ATG ahead of the process. From what the consultant has said it can cause lots of side effects eg high temp amongst other things. Has anybody else had this treatment?

Thanks

Joanne

[Jm954]

Hi,

presumably they have told you that this is to reduce the number of T cells to manage graft versus host disease (GVHD) ? The non T cell side effects are abdominal pain, anxiety, swelling of hands, feet but the team will be very used to managing them so I wouldn’t worry. Some GVHD is necessary to kill all the leukaemia cells so it’s a balance.

Hopefully someone willlanswerwho has received it

[Hidden in reply to Jm954]

Thank you. Yes they have explained what it is for. 🙂

[2003UK]

Hi, no, sorry I cannot help, take lots of care and I hope your bone marrow transplant goes well.

Look after yourself

[Christiana_]

I don’t recall the specific drug (it may not have been on my protocol, 10 years is a long time) but the side effects listed are all familiar to me. Rich hand cream, a good lip balm and became a best friend along with ice packs. Glasses of cold milk (normally yuk) were excellent for a sore throat . . my dark anti cancer humour was quite helpful. As Jm has written there are drugs to help with the side effects. Keep asking….