Harvest Time!

So, I have been a little less than forthcoming when it comes to my upcoming surgery. What surgery you ask? Okay, so not forthcoming what-so-ever.

Almost two years ago I was registered in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) because someone I knew, with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, badly needed a bone marrow transplant. I was tested to determine if I was an appropriate match-but I wasn't. What did happen was that I was added to the list of potential donors, nationally, and told I was an eligible donor providing I had suitable health until my 61st birthday.

Now, those of you who know me know that I don't just sort of do something. I give it my all.

There is a long story attached to why this cause is so important to me and what I have done to contribute to this cause. However, I won't get into all the details as I consider it my civic duty as a human being. But what I will briefly say is that I have helped (in a very small way) in registering over 750 people into the National Marrow Donor Program and I attended a meeting at the State House in Concord on behalf of New Hampshire families urging NH to pass HB 1452; a bill which requires insurance companies to pay for the screening process of potential donors in their registration into the NMDP. The Bill passed almost unanimously.

*Here are some facts about the NMDP:*

• Currently, there are approximately (ONLY) 5.5 million people in the NMDP.
• Each year over 35,000 people are diagnosed with blood diseases that require a bone marrow transplant.
• Only 30% of those 35,000 find a related donor, the rest are left to search for their match in the NMDP (hence, why 5.5 million is NOT a lot of people.)
• It is difficult to find a match who is willing to go through the process of bone marrow harvesting. Most only enter the registry for a family member or friend, and never expect or are prepared to donate (or save the life) of a perfect stranger, and many refuse.
• It takes as little as a saliva sample (in some cases a blood sample) to enter the NMDP.
• NH, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are the only New England states who require their insurance companies to cover the ~$70 fee incurred by people hoping to be registered into the NMDP. Other states in New England and the U.S expect people to cover the fee to enter the registry. This fee often becomes a barrier to treatment and donation.

I got the call in August informing me that I was a potential match for a 20-year-old female with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was asked if I was still interested in donating either stem-cells or participating in an actual Bone Marrow Harvesting. Indeed I was interested and began the long process of health screenings and doctor visits to determine if I was the best possible match for this recipient. Here are the steps/timeline I took to get to where I am going Thursday:

1. February 2005- Provided Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) with a single vile of blood to enter into the NMDP.
2. Late August 2007- I got a call informing me of my possible match, and inquiring if I was interested.
3. 1 week later- I went to my Primary Care Physician to give approximately 10 viles of blood to be sent to DFCI for HLA-testing (Human Lykocyte Antigen-- what makes my tissue unique.)
4. 2 weeks later- I got a call from DFCI informing me that I was a match, not a perfect match but as close as an unrelated donor can be, and they wanted to "harvest me."
5. Sept 18- I went to DFCI to submit to testing for: any and all infectious diseases, cancers, pregnancy, chest X-rays, and an EKG -- to determine if I was fit for this surgery.
6. Sept 24- I went to DFCI for a pre-operative consultation.
7. Oct 1- I submitted to another pregnancy test.

What will happen to me:

• October 11, 2007 at 5:30am I will be admitted to Brigham and Woman's Teaching Hospital for pre-operative admission.
• 7:30am I will be put under general anesthesia and intubated, put on my stomach and two surgeons will work simultaneously to remove approximately 1 quart (predetermined by my weight) of bone marrow through the iliac bones in my hips.
• I will be under for about 3 hours, and after I am harvested I will be given a pint of my own blood which was extracted at my Sept 18th appointment.
• My body will regenerate this marrow over the next 4-6 weeks and I will be in recovery/pain for about 7 days.
• I will give my living tissue to a 20-year-old female. I am her last hope at a long life.

If you pray please keep me AND my recipient in your prayers. If you don't, please send healing and healthy thoughts our way.

Wish me luck, it's harvest time.

*for more information, email me, or go to www.dana-farber.org*