Luekemia/Bone marrow transplant

This is very sad. Please pass on my sympathy to your wife. I don't know anything about bone marrow transplants I'm afraid. What I do know,is if there is no family member compatible, there is a World Wide Bone marrow registery. Doctors & specialists can access this for possible donor matches. I know about this, because aqn Australian wopman started it many years ago. There should be thousands of people registered on it now.

Hey Gramps...this may help... http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/Med_Guidelines_Join/index.html - this gives a list of ineligible medical conditions...thyroid problems are not on it that I saw. I have been a member of the registry for years...but I have never been called..you might be able to find some answers to your questions here. Best of luck to your BIL

Well first of all I'm sorry for the news. I obviously can't tell you about American procedures, and crossing State lines, as I am in England, but here are a couple of links that may interest you. They are obviously UK websites, but I'm sure the information is pretty much the same. Take care. http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Stemcellbonemarrowtransplants/Generalinformation http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/bone_marrow.html

Hi Bob, I am not real sure about the process involved other than it is very painful, as they have to drill holes into large bones generally the hip and draw off bone marrow with a syringe again I am told this is painful, the recovery time is not very long but the cure rate is remarkable almost every time unless there are other complications. When you get the full story on it will you post it I would love to know myself as I do believe that we all should be organ, blood, tissue , and marrow donors. It costs us little and saves lives. Thanks Robin

I am sorry about your news and as it turns out I know from looking it up before you can get information on how to become a bone marrow donor by calling 1 800 654 1247. As far as your wife being a donor I know in Canada having thyroid issues they will not accept you but perhaps your laws are different there. The Bone Marrow Foundation would be the place to get the correct answers and that is 337 East St. Suite 1B New York, NY 10128 and the phone number is 1-212-838-3029 or 1-800-365-1336. Good luck and you and your family are on my prayer list, please keep us informed. Thank You and God Bless.

I have no idea on what is needed in bone marrow transplant because we do not do that in our town. I am just letting you know I am sending my prayers and thoughts.

I don't know much about the procedure. I do believe they take the bone marrow out of the hip. Its supposed to be uncomfortable for the donor. I have heard its a simple procedure. I do want to wish your BIL good luck and speedy recovery. I hope the docs find a donor real soon for him. Take care.

I am a donor, but I live all the way out in California. I am sorry that your wife's brother has Luekemia.

Even thou I can't help you, Grandpa Bob, I still wanted to wish your BIL the best of luck and a quick recovery.

Hi, grandpa Bob..I am sorry to hear about your wife's brother....My husband had gotten Leukemia in June, 1989. He was 39 years old. He had CML. Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia. He was given about 1 year to live, unless he had a bone marrow transplant. His youngest brother was a perfect match and my hubby was able to get his bone marrow transplant in February 1990. It will be 18 years in February and he is doing fine..as far as not having the cancer anymore. He does have other health issues due to the cancer and is on disability..His BMT was done in Seattle Washington at the Veterans Hospital..He was there for 5 months. His brother did fine with giving the marrow, I guess it was painful but he recovered. My husband and I talked on the phone while he was having the BMT transfusion. He had what is called a "hickman" which is a tube put in his chest and it had to be cleaned everyday..I will ask him more tomorrow as he is in bed right now and maybe he could answer some questions for you..please let me know..I know he would be glad to help..His was done 18 years ago. I don't know how much has changed since then..but if you want, he could hopefully answer any questions you and your wife may have..I don't have any links to share at this time..

since you are in the US you may want to contact cancer treatment centers of america. There should be someone there that can answer all of your questions. They have locations throughout this country.

I'm not positive but I've heard that donating is pretty easy. It's done on outpatient basis at hospital and they take marrow I believe somewhere around the side of your lower back or hip bone. I heard it's uncomfortable spot for a few days. I would think they would be able to transport it because they have a national donor registry. It's worth a try if you ask me. I'm sorry for what you all are going through. Good Luck and God Bless.