by 1 person |
My experience donating stem cells
What are stem cells?
Adult stem cells reside throughout the human body within tissue, blood and organs; they are plentiful and readily available. Adult stem cells refers to the stage or maturity of the stem cell. Adult stem cells are also found in the tissues of the umbilical cord (after live birth), spinal cord, fat, bone marrow, dental pulp, nasal cavity, brain, peripheral blood, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, skin, cornea, digestive system, retina, liver, and pancreas. Nupagin shots
Stimulation of stem cells
This involved 6 days of neupogin shots which stimulate the release of stem cells from the bone marrow into my blood so they can be harvested for my brother. It's important during this period to drink plenty of water. I had decided to go to the hospital each day for the shots, but some people opt to do it at home.
The shots sting a bit and after the first several days, mild bone aches began- mostly in my hip and sternum. It was nothing that an occasional tylenol couldn't remedy.
Apheresis
Harvesting the stem cells
An anticoagulant was going through my system to prevent clotting and calcium was also given.
Aside from the discomfort of being in bed and not really able to move around for 6 or 7 hours, it was not unpleasant.
Unfortunately, the first harvest did not capture enough stem cells for my brother- this is determined by patient weight, I believe- so I returned to the hospital the following morning to repeat the procedure.
I had been worried about side effects from the Nupagin as well as the apheresis, but the only side effect was several days of fatigue.
Prepare for your procedure
Question, question, question
We are now in week three of the transplant and are in a watch and wait mode. My brother has been great through all of this- as have the staff at the hospital.
Latest update
Be a Donor
Give the gift of life
- National Marrow Donor Program
- When you become a bone marrow donor, you join the global movement of more than 11 million donors who stand ready to give someone a future.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplants: A Guide For Patients
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009) 
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants: A Handbook for Patients
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
The New Normal Life After Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant a compelling story of six transplant survivors
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Have you donated stem cells?
Tell us about your experience.
Beth wrote
Thank you for sharing your story. More poeple need to know how very simple it is to help another in this manner. It is such a wonderful feeling too ! Here is my story: After having major surgery, and 23 days in the hospital, my brother sent the word out that he needed stem cells. Luckily, we have 7 kids in our family. Guess what... I was the only one who matched. He lives in another state, so off I went to Chicago for my physical.. full torso brace and all. That all went great..returned a few weeks later to harvest. The only side affect I got was major headaches from the Nueopogen. He will receive my 'girlie blood' next week... and it tugs at my heart that I can't be there for him. This all is such an emotional ride for all of my big family..spread over 4 states. I wish all of your stem cell recipients well for years and years! Good luck Mark, my heart is with you!
Posted May 01, 2009
babythymes wrote...
Thanks for sharing your experience- how wonderful for you and your sibling. It is a joyful and awe-inspiring adventure- Best regards
Posted February 19, 2009
susan wrote
when first asked i jumped at the chance both my younger sister & i were tested. it turned out i was a perfect 10 (the first in my life) i was apprehensive about the procedure so i read all i could. as my sister & i live in different states i went to the state of ga. were the precedure was to be done for my phycical.After passing that it consisted of many viles of blood questions lots of the & a chest exray. i was shown how the machine worked and that was it. i returned a few week later for the collection. i was given shots to stimulate stem cell growth for 5 days then it was time for collection. it lasted 4 hrs. at the end of the day i had a terrible headache then it was over. the most gratifying thing was being there when she received them. people say i gave her a gift but she was the one who gave me the gift. it has been 23 day the engraphment is taking & there is no greater joy than knowing we were both part of something. wonderful.
Posted February 18, 2009
Blog Posts from Google
by babythymes
Hey there- I'm a mom and a grandmom and I knit baby hats. Check out www.babythymes.com for unique and stylish hats for newborns to toddlers. Rock on!
(more)
