Before I wrote this week's news article, “A Bone Marrow to Pick,” about Matthew Nguyen and bone marrow donation, my assumption of the whole process came from watching Grey's Anatomy. It was the third season and Izzy Stevens (Katherine Heigl) had to donate bone marrow for her daughter. In a scene rife with melodrama, there was an abnormally large needle, and enough pain to ensure that she could not even stand afterward.
Then after I found out more about the process via a family member, I realized that such medical drama scenes don't do any favors to patients such as Nguyen, who needs a bone marrow transplant in order to effectively treat, and perhaps even cure, his blood cancer. I've since stopped watching Grey's Anatomy.
A majority of bone marrow donations are done using a non-invasive procedure where blood is taken out of a donor, the stem cells are removed, and the remaining platelets are reinjected into the donor's body. This is called a peripheral blood stem cell donation. To increase the number of blood-forming cells in the bloodstream, Filistrim injections are given for five days. - The other, less common method, comprises of liquid marrow being collected straight from the bone via a hollow needle. It is done under anesthesia and the donor may feel sore afterward.
But, overall, there are no lasting side effects and the bone marrow replenishes itself in a few days. And unlike some organ donations, the donor can give while still alive with no risks. In this case, to coin a cliche phrase, a little bit does go a long way.
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What compelled me to find out more about this process was somewhat personal. My sister, Thao Tran, an Orange County native, got me curious about the process. Her sister-in-law was diagnosed with
If you read this far, then I'm assuming you are still interested in becoming a marrow donor. To sign up, it only takes a cheek swab. Click on the link to register online: Free Home Kit
Upcoming drives in Orange County and Los Angeles
8/30/09
- 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Church Dr., 407 S. Chicago, Los Angeles 90033
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Blood and Marrow Drive Day1, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90027
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Blood and Marrow Drive Day2, 4650 Sunst Blvd., Los Angeles, 90027
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Lien Hoa Temple, 9561 Bixby Ave., Garden Grove, 92841
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Hue Quang Temple, 4918 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana 92703
10/3/09
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Health and Safety Fair, 12322 Washington Blvd., Whittier, 90606
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Lennox Health Fair, 4125 W. 105th St., Lennox, 90304
More information:
National Marrow Donor Program
Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (serves the Southern California community)
