We visit the patients three times a week or more. We are always available if there is a problem. We check the number of calories consumed by each BMT patient each day. We keep track of everything they are eating and drinking. The nurses need to know how much fluids are taken in, from a dietary standpoint we need to know the total calories.
Protein is very very important.
Chemo and radiation cause breakdown and loss of muscle mass. Consequently, bone marrow transplant patients have higher protein requirements than most patients. It is possible for patients to become protein depleted. Meats are a good source of protein, but are some times not tolerated or wanted by BMT patients. If diarrhea is also present and we must stop milk products, another good source of protein is lost.