Blood cell transplantation: its impact on one family.

OBJECTIVES: To share a story about being the wife of a cancer survivor who had a blood cell transplantation (BCT). DATA SOURCES: Personal experience, and published articles related to the impact of cancer on the family. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer affects not only the patient but the entire family unit. Yet, family members are a forgotten population. With advances in cancer treatment, survivorship has increased resulting in caregiving demands that can last for years. The lack of research related to the impact of BCT on family members must be addressed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: There are many ways that nurses can provide holistic care to family members who have a loved one going through a BCT. Physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of care can make a tremendous impact on the lives of patients and family members.