The day of donation has finally arrived. By the time this goes live, I’ll be on my way out the door to the hospital. The plan is to arrive at 7am or a little before, get a blood draw and receive my final shot of Filgrastim, take a break to eat a little breakfast while the blood’ at the lab, and get started on being hooked up to the machine by 8am.
The donation will take most of today, especially if the initial attempt to use veins in my arms doesn’t work and they have to put a central line in my leg. Hopefully I’ll be out and home in time for dinner.
Other than an emergency caused by an allergy to a pain reliever I was taking (not one of the standard donation drugs, just one of the stronger painkillers I was given), it’s been about what I expected. Some pain, headaches, general suckiness but nothing unbearable (except the reaction, that was bad). Knowing everything my mom has gone through over the last few years–or at least what she’s told me about–gave me some perspective on the pain, etc. It was bad, but it’s only for a few days, has a finite end and a good purpose. This is much better than what the recipient has probably already gone through.
I’m tired and I’m glad that this will be over soon so that I can rest. But I still feel very positive about doing it. The NMDP liason and the doctor, nurse, & aide at the hospital here have all been fantastic. Even though I’m focused on doing this for the sake of the recipient, they’re focused on my health rather than on how to make me donate even if I weren’t able.
I’ve been microblogging about the events leading up to the donation here, and I’ll continue to update the page as I’m able (read: as Micah is able) throughout the day. So if you’re interested in following along, bookmark it or come back and there will be updates. I set it up that way so that readers who don’t really care one way or the other don’t have to deal with frequent feed updates, but friends & family & readers who want to follow along can do that too.
See you on the other side!
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Thinking of you and Micah.
.-= Pippa´s last blog ..The Yummy Mummy with no tummy Challenge – Week Thirteen =-.
You inspired me! I was trying to find a way to honor my great-niece who died this summer when I read one of your previous post, so I signed up with Be the Match. I’ve sent back the swab samples and hope that maybe I’ll be able to help someone. I’m still a little scared, so I’ll look forward to your reports about the procedure.
Thinking about you! Hope it goes well!
.-= Mrs. Money´s last blog ..Buying a New Computer =-.
MM- I’m donating my stem cells for my sister on September 14th. I would really like to talk to you. I’m a bit of a nervous wreck and need some support from someone who has gone through this. If you are interested, please let me know.
Thanks Amy Kat
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