Hello everyone! The #1 question we get about being a stem cell/bone marrow donor is.....drum roll please...."Does it hurt???" So, let's answer that and some of the other questions that have come up.
Does it hurt to join the Bone Marrow Donor Registry?
To register is PAINLESS!!! In the US and most other countries, you swab your cheek with a cotton swab and return it in the mail. Soooo easy!! You are "registered" and added to the Bone Marrow Registry with 10 million other potential donors. Then, you wait. If you are a match for someone, you will be contacted. This could happen next month, next year, 10 years down the road or possibly never. If you are a match and can't donate at the time you are contacted...say you are pregnant...you can decline.
How much does it cost to join the Registry?
In the US, there is no required "fee" to register with "Be The Match" if you go through our link during our 100 day donor drive.
If I am a match, does it hurt to donate stem cells/bone marrow?
If you are found to be a match...great! You have the chance to possibly save a life! The donation process has greatly improved in recent years. There are two methods of donating and in both types, donors go home the same day they donate. You can register for one or both types.
PBSC (peripheral blood stem cell) Method: This is the newer and more common form of donating. Stem cells are collected from the donor's bloodstream similar to donating blood! There is no "surgery" involved! The donor receives 2 injections of "Neupogen" daily for about 3 days...Jo's brother Eddie actually gave them to himself. No sugar-coating here...each person is different, but the shots will make your body feel achy and you will probably have a headache...similar to having the flu. Tylenol will usually take care of that.
The Neupogen encourages the donor's bone marrow to produce extra stem cells (baby cells that in this case become white blood cells) and those extra stem cells are released into the donor's bloodstream. On the day of "collection" the donor will have an IV line placed in each arm. One line takes the blood out, it goes through a machine that captures the stem cells and the other line gives the rest of the blood back. This process takes about 6 hours and you will be able to watch TV or movies or just rest. Within 2-3 days, the "flu-like" symptoms are gone and the donor's blood returns to normal. The collected stem cells are usually frozen and then sent to the patient. This is called a "stem cell transplant."
Marrow Donation: On rare occasions, the traditional method is still used to collect actual bone marrow. No Neupogen shots are required for this. The donor is sedated and feels no pain during the procedure. Bone marrow fluid is drawn out from the back of the pelvic bone using a syringe. The donor's lower back and hip area will be sore for a few days to a week. When these cells are given to the patient it is called a "bone marrow transplant."
Does it cost anything to be a donor?
No. The cost is covered by the patient's insurance and/or the registry. If the donor has to miss any work, it is usually covered by "temporary disability" from your workplace. Some states provide coverage for that as well.
Will I meet my recipient?
The patient and donor are "anonymous" for a least the first year. Often, they will eventually meet or make contact if they both want to. Get out your Kleenex and watch how 7 year old Lee was finally able to meet his "super-hero" donor from a totally different country!
What else can I do to support this cause?
- Spread the word. Email your friends. Post on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites.
- Make a tax deductible financial contribution to "Be The Match" in the U.S. or to the registry in the country you live if you live outside the U.S..
We have 52 registered stem cell/bone marrow donors!! Awesome! We are over half-way to our goal of 100 Donors in 100 Days! If you are thinking of registering...don't wait!
Be someone's Hero! Register now! Thank you!!
Team captains - Jo Thompson Szymanski and Carol Morris
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