HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplant) veterans Brooke Slick and Jodi Feltham sit down for a one-on-one to discuss the differences between having HSCT done in Mexico and in Russia. These facilities are currently two of the most popular HSCT treatment facilities around the world, and due to their similar protocols, they are often the two that are most-compared before making a final decision. In this episode, Jodi and Brooke break down the differences into bite-size pieces that are easy to digest.
Be sure to check out the links below to access resources discussed in this episode.
EPISODE NOTES:
What is HSCT?
The types of MS and EDSS score
Discovering HSCT
The drugs/treatments that failed before deciding to pursue HSCT
Choosing a facility from all the options
The two types of protocols and which one is riskier
The types of protocols Mexico and Russia utilize
The cost of treatment
Financing the treatment
Lodging
Which facility requires a caregiver
Lodging
Where does the patient stay and where do friends/family/caregivers stay?
Creating lifelong bonds with other patients and families
Pre-testing
When does the chemotherapy begin?
The #1 fear-inducing part of treatment
Your attitude/mindset going into HSCT
Gratitude
The EDSS (mobility score) cutoff for acceptance
Recovery
Physical therapy after HSCT
The value of The MS Gym during recovery
A myth of HSCT
The ultimate goal of HSCT
The mistake of waiting until you're "bad enough"
Beware of scam stem cell facilities
Do your research
If a stem cell treatment does not include chemotherapy, it isn't HSCT
Advice to up-and-comers
Patience during recovery is paramount
What will set you up for disappointment?
Is it experimental?
Regrets

RESOURCE LINKS:
MS Society HSCT Recommendations Article
HSCT Facebook Group - Russia
HSCT Facebook Group - Mexico
Clinical Ruiz Website
National Pirogov Medical Surgical Centre Website
Brooke's HSCT Blog
The MS Gym
Brooke Slick