Recovery Post Bone Marrow Donation

[spindizzy]

So they just took a mere 10 vials of blood about 120 cc ( I guess that is almost 1/2 cup). I have lots.

Anyway, now I just wait I guess. Kinda' weird in a way.

Looking to run a 5k on Good Friday or an 8k early April. Or maybe both.

[maillotpois]

well, good luck!

[Possegal]

Good luck and do keep us updated. It is a great thing you are doing.

[KnottedYet]

Good luck to you, and to the folks out there looking for a match!

[bouncybouncy]

This thread is incredibly inspiring!!! Thank you all...and Spin: Good Luck and strength!!!

[iowagrad]

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.

[Possegal]

OK, this is better late than never, but I managed to talk to my friend today and he apologized for not having responded to my email about how it was for him when he donated. He then sent me this reply.

My donation was from my hip bones and it was under general anesthesia. I was sore for about 3 days, but they give you percocet for the pain. After that it was off to the races. Best part the food at the hospital that I had after the donation! Steak and Lobster and nice desert and a glass of wine! Yes, in a hospital. The staff was great and the procedure was a piece of cake. In fact I did it twice and have been a match for a third, but they found someone else after they discovered that I had already donated twice. Life is the greatest gift there is and giving bone marrow to help someone else live longer or have a shot at achieving their dreams is a wonderful feeling. Maybe this will sum it up. I wrote it!

PLASTIC COOLER: $22
HELICOPTER RIDE: $14,000
DELIVERING THE GIFT OF LIFE: PRICELESS!!!!!!!

THERE ARE SOME THINGS MONEY CAN'T BUY. FOR EVERYTHING ELSE WE JUST HAVE EACH OTHER. DONATE BONE MARROW TODAY! THE LIFE YOU SAVE MATTERS.

hope this helps

[maillotpois]

That's very cool. Thanks for following up with him, Posse.

[cyclinnewbie]

Hi guys....just found this thread, and have been reading it today, and just want to say that, as an Oncology nurse who has held the hand of many patients who lay dying because they could not find a match, my heart is so touched by all of you. Thank you to everyone who has donated, researched, supported those with cancer and those caring for them, tried to donate, wants to donate, or even thought of donating. THANK YOU!

[spindizzy]

Posse girl-

Thanks for sharing the info. I can't believe your friend has been a match twice, potentially 3 times. I was speaking to a colleague here (works in Immunology) and she thinks chances are incredibly slim that I would be a match.

I've planned my summer season and we'll let the cards fall where they may.

Mastercard/Cancer Society is missing out on an amazing marketer.....

MMMM ......steak, lobster AND wine...want to go to that hospital!! How civilized!