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Bone Marrow Donation? Anyone?

suezeeq12

suezeeq12

Cupcake Ninja
Hi everyone -

I signed up to be a bone marrow donor because a friend of ours needs a transplant quickly. She began receiving treatments for a bone marrow disorder nine years ago that has resulted in myelofibrosis, a scarring of the bone marrow. The scarring is preventing her marrow from functioning properly and an urgent transplant is needed. She's a mom of twin boys and is really a genuinely nice person and this is a family that would do anything for anyone. I really hope that I can be a match.

I have to admit though, I'm a bit scared of the whole idea. They make it seem simple enough on the bethematch.org website and all the documentation that they sent me. I did the whole swab thing and sent it in. Seems it takes like 2 months for them to actually analyze the swabs to see if I'm a match for anyone.

Has anyone done this or know of ANYTHING about this process from personal experience? I'm realizing while writing this that I'm actually more scared of it than I thought but the possibility of saving someone's life outweighs all. I'll definitely do it but would love to hear any personal experiences that anyone has or is close to. I don't know anyone who has done this. Do you?

Thanks!
 
I think it sounds scary too...but like such a noble thing to do. I think if you focus on that aspect of it...it won't be so bad. :)
 
Suzy- I *think* my BIL was a donor, but he was it was probably close to 15 years ago. If you want me to ask him I can, but honestly, I would think that the procedure would be so different by now.

You are doing an amazing thing.
 
This is such an amazing thing to do!!!
I have no idea how it works, but I have lots of respect for people who do this!
 
My granddaughter who died had a bone marrow transplant but while lots of the family volunteered, they weren't matches. You are doing a wonderful thing just to volunteer and even promote the awareness here Suzy.

I know it's still not a comfortable procedure but I gather it's not painful per se. I don't know if you have children, but I always think if you can get through that you can handle most any medical procedure!
 
Oh my gosh Maureen I am so sorry. That must have been (and still is) such an awfully painful time.

In reading all the information that they gave me, there are 2 ways to do this - one looks far less painful than the other but you have to take meds ahead of time and that can cause some discomfort but in the bigger picture, look what a little discomfort can give in return, right? I just keep thinking that these people that need bone marrow are someone's mom, child, son, daughter, etc. One could only hope that someone could do this for them if they were in the same position.

Heck, I had no meds when I had Christopher (Matthew I wasn't so dumb about and took all the meds they would give me and I got an epidural!). I can do this!! Thanks for giving me the extra assurance :)
 
What and awesome and very admiral thing to do!!! I have no idea about this either, so can't be of any help.... Can relate to the NO MEDS for the baby....mine came too fast to get meds....but really with my first one...I had nearly NO pain....when you throw up night and day for 9 straight months...you build really really strong stomach muscles....and I had been in labor for hours and just didn't know...I barely got to the hospital in time with my first one....only reason I went to the hospital was because I was spotting...she almost was a HOME BIRTH :)

okay..off track there...so are you going to donate anyway if you are not a match to your friend?? (I mean to someone else you might match??)
 
three cheers for you darllin!!!! I'm proud of you.

Please let us know how it goes, as I'd love to be able to help someone but I'm a TOTAL pain chicken.
 
As long as doing this puts my children in NO danger (meaning something may happen to me during it), I'm going to stay on the list.

Bone marrow donors could give a life to someone who's about to lose theirs. As a mom, I keep thinking I need to stay on this list because what if I can help someone's child. I'd want someone to help mine. Until Dawn got really, really sick, this isn't something I'd ever thought about doing before so it's new, scary and hopefully will end up all good. :)
 
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