Adolescent's Eating Experiences During Bone Marrow Transplant Recovery

High dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation required before bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that can result in poor oral intake and inadequate nutrition. The GI symptoms and interventions to improve nutrition during BMT hospitalization have been well identified; however, there is limited information of ongoing issues beyond the hospitalization. Symptom experiences and management strategies need long term investigation. This study allowed adolescents an opportunity to share eating experiences and eating strategies in their own words during the first 100 days post BMT.