Stem Cell Donation – Day 9 8-30-11 At least 4 million stem cells are needed for the transplant. I returned to the apheresis unit this morning to see if we made that goal yesterday. The total was 3.26 million. So, I had to take two more Neupogen shots and give some more blood. I learned thatContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 9”
Monthly Archives: August 2011
Stem Cell Donation – Day 8
Stem Cell Donation – Day 8 8-29-11 Today was the donation, the reason I came to Texas. At least I hope it was. Before I leave I have to donate at least 4,000,000 stem cells, and I won’t know until tomorrow whether they have been able to get that many. First thing this morning, I gave myselfContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 8”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 7
Stem Cell Donation – Day 7 8-28-11 I had a bit of a surprise while attending church this morning. The pastor mentioned to the congregation that my brother was going into the hospital and stated that I was present and was going to serve as the donor for a liver (!) transplant. I don’t think I’m preparedContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 7”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 6
Stem Cell Donation – Day 6 8-27-11 This is the second day of Neupogen injections, so I hope I am half finished with them. My brother’s insurance company hopes so, too. The prescription I received yesterday gave me enough Neupogen for four days. The cost was $3,499.56, all of which was paid for by theContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 6”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 5
Stem Cell Donation – Day 5 8-26-11 If you are reading this because you are going to be a stem cell donor, the summaries for the next few days should be of interest. Today I started my Neupogen injections. Neupogen is a brand name for a type of drug known as Filgrastim. It has beenContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 5”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 4
Stem Cell Donation – Day 4 8-25-11 Because of the cardiology diversion yesterday, the medical appointments originally scheduled for today were moved to tomorrow. I used this unanticipated free day to run four miles before it got too hot, do some work and spend some time sightseeing. We also moved. Let me briefly mention the weather. Continue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 4”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 3
Stem Cell Donation – Day 3 8-24-11 All did not go as anticipated today. I wanted to get some exercise before it got sooo hot and still get to the MD Anderson Center for early appointments, so I walked the mile or so from the motel to the hospital. This morning I finally met the hematologistContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 3”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 2
8-23-11 Stem Cell Donation – Day 2 Today was rough for my brother, “Paul,” but not for me. The blood taken yesterday had to be tested to be certain I have no diseases that would prevent my acting as the stem cell donor. I learn those results tomorrow. Paul was back at the hospital today for a liver biopsy. UnderContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 2”
Stem Cell Donation – Day 1
8-22-11 Today was the first day of the process at the hospital that is to lead up to them taking of my stem cells for the transplant. My brother (whom I will call “Paul” because (a) that is not his real name and (b) I want to respect his privacy even on the internet) left AustinContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 1”
Stem Cell Transplant Donor
8-21-11 What is it like to be a donor for a bone marrow/stem cell tansplant? Since I learned that I am going to play that role, I have been trying to find out and many friends have wanted to know what is involved. There is some information available on the internet, but much of itContinue reading “Stem Cell Transplant Donor”