One of my doctors in NM used to quip daily "Boring is good." That pretty much describes my holding pattern while my infection slowly clears and they begin the search for a bone marrow donor.
I had blood transfusions on Monday and Tuesday and a bag of platelets on Wednesday. I developped a small reaction to the platelet transfusion--nothing a little benedryl couldn't take care of, but not a good sign. The more platelet transfusions you get, the more likely your body will begin to react to them eventually to the point of no return. This is why there is such a rush to find me a donor. Please read the previous entries which describe how to become a donor and consider doing so as soon as possible.
Today’s medical technology allows testing of potential donors as well as actual transplants with little disruption to the life of the donor(s). Testing is as simple as a swab of the inside of the cheek. Once you have been determined as a match, then you will go through the process of donating marrow.The actual donor process is as simple as giving blood. The donor gives blood from an arm; a machine separates the blood-forming cells and returns the blood to the donor through the other arm.
Wouldn't it be great if it was someone I know who could be my donor? Or even a friend of a friend? Or a friend of a friend of a friend?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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Karen,
ReplyDeleteAre you not getting a bone marrow transplant? Is it only Peripheral Blood Cells that you are needing? I am not clear on what will be your treatment?
Vicki
My Dear Karen,
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know that I am thinking of you often and appreciate your updates and reflections.
With love,
Linda
They are looking for a donor for me for a bone marrow transplant.
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