Waiting for Engraftment - 6. Engraftment and Early Recovery - 7. This phase includes close monitoring, supportive treatment, and management of complications while waiting for signs of engraftment. In addition to watching for the first signs of engraftment, the patient continues to require careful monitoring and management of complications. A systematic method of assessment, providing for the patient's needs and, at the same time, encouraging the patient's involvement in their own care will be key to a rapid recovery.
Many patients find the experience of waiting for engraftment stressful.
Patients have said that it helps to keep as active as possible, to talk with others, to attend support groups, to request visits by pastoral care representatives, or social workers, and to engage in activities that temporarily allow them to take their mind off of treatment. The team of physicians and nurses, along with nutritionists and social workers, make daily rounds on each patient. This provides an excellent opportunity to ask questions and to be involved in the planning of care.