My whole world turned upside down on on Wednesday March 21, 2012… My Dad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and its incidence increases with age. Although AML is a relatively rare disease, accounting for approximately 1.2% of cancer deaths in the United States, its incidence is expected to increase as the population ages.
I am still in shock and denial, since my Dad looks and feels good. I won’t get into too many details about him, since I have not told him that I am blogging about this. What I wanted to write about is my experience giving blood for the first time. And to encourage you to give blood if you haven’t! And if you have, I am sending you virtual hugs and high fives!!
My Dad may have to have a bone marrow transplant. I was ready to give him my marrow, whatever he needs… but I guess it doesn’t work like that. You need the marrow of a sibling, or you need to find an unrelated donor from the bone marrow bank. Basically the chances of me being a match for my Dad are very slim.
So going from being someone who was afraid to check off that box on your health card to donate your organs, I am now signed up to be a bone marrow donor, a stem cell donor, and I have now given blood for the first time.
My husband gives blood as much as they’ll take it, and he has always encouraged me to come with him. I am a pretty squeamish person, so I was afraid to. How I can sit for a 5+ hour tattoo, and be fine is beyond me. I even went with my husband one time to try and I almost passed out just watching other people give blood, so I chickened out.
I have been staying with my Mom and Dad while he is in the hospital having his chemo treatment. I finally got up the courage to give blood.
I wasn’t nervous at all, it’s amazing how things change when you know someone so close to you needs it. My Dad and I have the same blood type so I think it would be amazing if he got my blood some day.
It only took 6 minutes!!
They made me feel so special at the clinic!!
I wouldn’t stop bleeding after so they gave this B.A (bad ass) wrap tape.
I never thought that I would be an advocate for giving blood, but I encourage you to go out there and give!!!! It could save a life!!!!!
♥Maximum
p.s. If you are in Canada you can call 1-888-2-DONATE to find a donor clinic near you or visit www.blood.ca
To be a bone marrow or stem cell donor, or to get more information on it please go to www.onematch.ca
Bless you and all your family.
Acute myeloid leukemia is a curable disease.
Find hope in the darkest days.
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You GO girl!!! Very proud of you for donating. Sending lots of healing vibes & virtual HUGS!!!
EL
Hey Maxine!
Proud of you for giving blood, I know it is hard for some! I have been giving for years (between surgeries and tats) I awlays hoped that it would go to someone I know, personally. Thinking of you and all your family as your Dad is going through this.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do!
Liz xo