Quote Originally Posted by maillotpois View Post
Interesting side note - if you do the stem cell thing, and you take Neupogen (EPO), then your performance may actually benefit
Actually, Neupogen (filgrastim, G-CSF) is a completely different drug than EPO. Neupogen is given post-chemotherapy to increase the white blood cell count. In stem cell collection, it is given in larger doses in order to boost the white blood cell production to ridiculously high levels - to the point that the immature stem cells overflow from the bone marrow into the bloodstream so they can be collected via apheresis. Most people using Neupogen don't feel the greatest. EPO works differently and boosts red blood cell production.

As far as the bone marrow donation, go for it. It really shouldn't affect your training all that much, especially since you're in such top form right now. You'll be sore and most likely a bit anemic. My friend donated on a Thursday (I think) for her brother when we were in high school. She was back at volleyball practice on Monday afternoon and going strong.

I've been on the registry for years and think it would be pretty amazing to get the call to donate.