I received wonderful news recently. My recipient has engrafted (meaning my stem cells have migrated to her bone marrow and are now successfully producing white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), has been released from the hospital, and is doing well.
There should be another update in a few months.
I am relieved to hear that my recipient has successfully cleared the first and second major hurdles (engraftment and release from the hospital) of the transplant. Her next major hurdle is the 100 day post-transplant mark. During this time she is still currently at high risk for infection and other complications such as Graft-versus-host-disease. She will be closely monitored during this time.
Since my PBSC donation I have begun volunteering with the Be The Match registry at local donor drives. I've found that sharing my donation story with others eased their concerns about joining. Several people commented to me, "After hearing your story I'll definitely donate if I get the call." Hearing those comments made my day and has pushed me to continue sharing my story.
There should be another update in a few months.
I am relieved to hear that my recipient has successfully cleared the first and second major hurdles (engraftment and release from the hospital) of the transplant. Her next major hurdle is the 100 day post-transplant mark. During this time she is still currently at high risk for infection and other complications such as Graft-versus-host-disease. She will be closely monitored during this time.
Since my PBSC donation I have begun volunteering with the Be The Match registry at local donor drives. I've found that sharing my donation story with others eased their concerns about joining. Several people commented to me, "After hearing your story I'll definitely donate if I get the call." Hearing those comments made my day and has pushed me to continue sharing my story.
