I got a call from a VA bone marrow transplant center today, and they said I had a good chance of being the best match for somebody who is in need of a donation. Apparently long, long ago when I was in the service I opted into the donation program, and they called to see if I was willing.
I was, so now they are going to do some tests on blood samples of me and get back to me in a couple weeks if I’m a match.
p.s. Its been 9 years, and they still have parts of me?! Where else do parts of me reside? :eek:
Oooh, how exciting! I’ve always hoped they’d call me, but there’s nothing particularly interesting about my bone marrow. I should probably update my information, although the old address and such would still find me.
They are probably going to give you the choice of a drug which will cause you to “secrete” marrow stem cells, so you can give via blood, or they can do a pelvic tap. I would take the tap. The drug (filgrastim ) makes you feel like shit for days/weeks, and although the tap is painful it is short.
When I got my call back for a second test from a marrow center, they just did a blood test - they did not take marrow. I think they might have taken more than just a couple of test tubes worth, but it’s been long enough that I don’t remember. I remember the second test being no big deal overall. I’m blessed with easy veins. I never got a follow-up call from that trip. I assume it turned out I was not a good match for the person they were searching for. Since they already have my more detailed test, they won’t have to call me again until I’m a very likely match.
And again - good for you for being willing to do this.
Thanks for the info… I think the tap sounds preferable as well. I’ve zero issues with needles, but the thought of feeling like shit for a couple of weeks doesn’t entice me. Hopefully they give me the option.
Still, whatever I may go through is far preferable to what the recipient is going through, so its a small price to pay.
One thing that surprised me was the timescale… the guy said anytime within 4-6 months. I always figured it would go faster than that if they found a donor.
Anyway, it will be a couple weeks before I hear anything, so i will keep you guys informed of events as they unfold.
Well done! You may be able to give another person (and the world) the greatest gift ever.
My nephew received a donated organ when he was 6 months old. I wish I could thank the family that made the decision that he could live, but since I can’t- thank you, thank you, thank you!
A friend of mine recently donated bone marrow. If you do end up donating, I can put you in touch with him prior to the procedure if you like. Might be helpful to talk to someone who has gone through it.
I am also on the list, but have never been called. The whole family went on the list when my FIL was diagnosed with Leukemia. His sister donated for him, but we were all inspired to help another family that was going through what we were going through.
My SIL was called, but in the intervening years, she was diagnosed with MS, so she is no longer eligible.
It is amazing that through no heroic (save a nasty puncture) act of your own, you can save someones life. Good luck and I hope your patient gets a good match.
As someone who married a bone marrow transplant survivor, thank you! My husband was able to get a match from his brother, but not everyone is this lucky.
Maybe I can live vicariously through you.
