tom's blog

I obtained the approvals required to start the "virtual" donor drive... I've posted the info to http://anna.gaff.net/hero. That page will always have the latest info on registering and our donor drives. I went through the registration process tonight, and it felt great. It literally takes 10 minutes... it's completely free... I can get tested in the convenience/comfort of my own home (that packet gets mailed out)... and I could save someone's life. If I'm selected, the process to donate is also pretty painless. It's a shame that there isn't more awareness about this. There are literally people dying because they could not find a match, or because the doctor attempted the process out of urgency using a donor who is less than an ideal match. Given how easy it is to register, they really should think about doing this at the DMV or as part of the census or something.
 
It's maddening, that people out there could be possible matches, and not have any idea. Who wouldn't sign up to save a life it is that easy. I'm going to make this my personal cause. I'm starting first with immediate friends and family, but I think we can really raise awareness through social media and online campaigns. I'll have more time this weekend to get things going.  But please, if you are reading this, please go ahead and register NOW! Additionally, let me know what other ideas you have about raising awareness.
 
In other news, Anna has been feeling OK the last few days. TJ actually had a bit of a cold, and I think taking care of him got her maternal juices flowing a little bit. She'll be home for a few more days, then will be back in the hospital on Thursday for another round of chemo. With this round, it's not necessarily that it's that toxic, it's really that this round of chemo is delivered over a 24 hour straight period via her port, so she'll need to be there for a while. I suspect they'll keep her for an extra couple days, but hopefully will be discharged over the weekend or early the following week.

She had a pretty good day today. I spoke with her a couple times during the day and could tell from the tone of her voice and the discussions that we were having, that she was feeling pretty good. Grossman, her Oncologist, stopped by this evening when I was here. It was good to catch up with him and here things from him first hand. I suspect some details get lost in translation most days.... As of this evening, the plan is for her to go home tomorrow (woo hoo), but her fever came back again this evening so I think it's a bit uncertain. Hopefully, it'll quiet down tonight, and they'll still get her out of here.
 
They are likely to want to start a heavier chemo regimen in a few days... likely by Wednesday of next week, and that will wind up bringing her back into the hospital again for a few days. So, hopefully she'll get home for a few days before they start that back up. That'll help her get a little more settled, and allow her to pick out whatever stuff she wants to bring over. Given that being admitted on Monday was a bit of a surprise, we kind of did it in bits and pieces... she always has her bible with her for appointments, but over the few days that she was here, we added a few other things.
 
I spoke with our contact for the donor drive again today. I should have all the info I need by tomorrow, so we'll be able to get started by this weekend.
 
Hopefully, I'll be writing tomorrow's update from home.