Anyone Donate Bone Marrow Before???

[yssie]

Wow, megumic!


What an incredible week. You're willing to do something really amazing - you have all my admiration for that I hope you are a match, I hope this man is cured, and I hope he is, in fact, the answer to your and your mum's many questions about your family!

 

[Andelain]

megumic, I'm really glad you started this thread. I had to remove myself from the registry in 2002 after I had West Nile Virus, because that was listed as a disqualifier. I just checked again and it's no longer on the list. I'm back on the registry!

Now I have to see if I'm allowed to donate blood again.

 

[slg47]

Andelain sorry to hear about your story but glad you are back on the list.

megumic what an awesome thing you are doing kudos to you and I hope it works out for you and the recipient.

 

[risingsun]

Good for you, Megumic! I cannot be a donor because I have a precancerous blood/bone marrow disorder. You have a precious gift to offer. Thank God for people like you.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

I hope you are able to donate, Megumic!

DH and I just signed up at Be The Match tonight!

 

[megumic]

So glad this thread has motivated so many people to join the list, rejoin the list and update their information on the list!

You just never really know when someone is going to need something your body makes every single day - truly a miracle! Congrats to all of you who are willing to be a part of this as well. I hope to hear more soon and will update this thread when I do!

PS - last night DH said, are you asleep?? I wasn't, but I was kind of daydreaming about the potential recipient. So I said, "I'm thinking about him." And DH said "who?" So I decided we needed to give him a name so he isn't just "the recipient" or "him." I decided some sort of superhero was appropriate, so he is now dubbed "The Hulk." (Not sure why since I know nothing about the Hulk as a comic character...) What is most adorable is that when we were praying before bed, DH said, "and we pray for The Hulk." I couldn't help but wonder if he and his family lay awake at night thinking about his potential donor, just as we lay awake last night thinking about the potential recipient....

 

[Attached]

Thanks for the update! I can't believe that this person can actually be your long lost family member. I hope that you get the results you want, both a match and new family member(s). I can't believe that I cried when I read your post because I like I told you before my fiancee was diagnosed with cancer. The part that hit home was the fact that the recipient has the same type of cancer my fiancee had. Please continue updating us on your story. My fiancee and I will be praying for you and the recipient.

 

[megumic]

Just wanted to update everyone who was following along...

I received a letter a few weeks ago. It turns out that the recipient and I are a match, however, the recipient is not currently pursuing donation. The letter explained that commonly a match is sought out before the donor has made a final decision regarding future treatment, or even before future treatment is necessary. It said they would certainly reach out in the event he does pursue donation in the future.

I have to admit, I am a little sad to not have had the opportunity, but on the other hand, I am hopeful the patient has made the right decision for his treatment. If nothing else, it is my sincere hope that this has motivated others to join Be The Match. And again, THANK YOU to everyone who has made that decision because of this thread!

 

[somethingshiny]

I'm glad that you posted an update, I'd been wondering. I just found out yesterday that a local friend will start the processing after recently being notified that she's a match.

 

[jstarfireb]

Thanks for the update! I hope that's what happened to my potential recipient as well. Sometimes I feel like I should call the registry and ask, but I'm also afraid of finding out the person may have died because I was unable to donate at the time. I know it's not my fault (donors' health has to be taken seriously too), but I'd still feel guilty.