So, back when I was an undergrad, 2002 or 2003 or so, Saint Louis University had a bone marrow donor drive, and I signed up. I honestly don't recall doing it, but it sounds like something I would do. I give blood frequently, so I wouldn't put it past myself to offer to give bone marrow. Anyway, out of the blue, a few weeks ago I was notified that I was a potential match for a 58 year old MDS patient, and that they would need me to come in and have some more thorough tests done.
In early August, I had blood drawn. I was told that although it would be unlikely, in the event that I was a good match, I would be called back, at which time I would need to make a decision. A week and a half after the draw, I was called back.
While on the phone I was apprised of how marrow is taken out during a donation. Apparently there are two methods. The first is the more traditional method. You're put to sleep, and they draw marrow from your pelvis. They make several small incisions, and I would imagine you'd spend the better part of a week feeling like some trollop who just got a tramp stamp. The newer method involves injections of filgastrim, a compound used in chemo patients to boost their leukocyte counts, that when given to people with ordinary immune systems, results in an unusually high white blood cell count, making it possible to extract marrow from the blood instead of the bone. Then what they do, is hook you up to something called an electrophoresis machine, that takes blood out of one arm, removes the bone marrow inside the machine, and then replaces the blood in the other arm.
(If any of you has had a "double red" blood donation, or given plasma, they use a similar contraption for that.) I've also been told that they're beginning to use a similar process for cardiac patients as a sort of "roto rooter" for clogged veins and arteries.
Anyway, after a few hours of that machine, you're all done.
After they explained the process to me, they explained that KC has nowhere to do it. That's the bad news. The good news: They'll pay for me- and a companion of my choice- to fly to Denver, St. Louis, or DC...and pick up the check, in order to get it done. (I'm choosing Denver, solely because I've never been to Denver- I lived in St. Louis for four years and spent a summer interning in DC). I haven't picked yet, but I'll probably ask my Dad to come along- my brothers are in school, and the last time my mom was in the CO, she got nose bleeds.
Anyway, the next thing they did was get a medical history (like what you do when you go to a new doctor for the first time), and take a health questionnaire (like those questions they ask you when you go to give blood)...and for those of you who were wondering, no, I have not gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last year, or had anal sex in Sub Saharan Africa with a male prostitute while injecting bovine insulin.
Next, after the phone call, was an information session. They gave me a packet full of every question you ever wanted to know about bone marrow donation, and asked me to read it. Then, I had to set up a meeting with Rebecca Brungardt, with the local Be the Match office. She advised me that although no one has ever died giving marrow, it is a risk (and if I become disabled, they'll pay my meds- and if I die, my brother gets a million bucks).
She advised me that only about 30% or so of the public has a match in their family- that means that most of the recipients need a donor from outside their family. Also, sadly, the chances of survival of a recipient are typically much less than 50%. Reasons for this include the fact that diseases like MDS and leukemia are difficult to cure under any circumstance; in addition, donations can cause the body's immune systemt to reject its own organs. She did advise that I not give blood for up to one year following the donation, as they may need me to give again.
At the end of the session, I was given informed consent, which I signed. I was also asked to participate in research, both long and short term, regarding the drug filgastrim. I agreed. Next up: A full physical- all expenses paid.
When my Mom found out, she asked me why. Here is my response: If I were in the same spot, or if any family or close friends were, I'd hope that someone who was a match would be generous enough to give. I'll keep you updated on this. The reason I'm writing this is to encourage others to donate, as well as to inform them about what goes on in a donation, and assuage any fears people might have about giving.
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