From
BMT Newsletter
January 1995
Issue # 27 - Donors - Some Very Special People
Reprinted by NYSERNet with Permission from BMT Newsletter

Tips for Donors

1. Make sure a doctor or nurse sits down with you and tells you what is going to happen before, during, and after the bone marrow harvest. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Doctors, family and friends may be focusing on the patient's well-being, but your health and peace of mind are important, too.

2. Bring someone with you when you talk to the medical team. There's a lot of information to absorb and it helps to have another set of ears in the room to listen and take notes.

3. Ask the BMT center to put you in touch with another donor if you feel that would be helpful. If they can't refer you to someone, call the local affiliate of the National Marrow Donor Program (call 800-MARROW2 for their number) or BMT Newsletter (847-433-3313).

4. Be sure you are fully informed about all possible outcomes of the patient's BMT, including complications during the hospitalization, long-term side effects and the possibility of relapse or death. Although this information may be hard to hear, you'll be better prepared to cope if problems arise.

5. It's normal to feel scared about the harvest and the anesthesia, although most people find it's easier than they thought it would be. Asking the anesthesiologist questions can be helpful. Talking with a BMT social worker or psychologist may allow you to get off your chest worries or feelings that you may not feel comfortable talking to your family about when they are so busy getting the patient ready for transplant.

6. Keep in mind that you are not responsible for the outcome of the BMT. There's nothing you can do to make your marrow "better." You've provided the patient with a tremendous gift. It's up to his or her body to accept the marrow and recover. If complications or death occur, they are not your fault.

7. Find a support person for yourself, someone with whom you can discuss your role as a donor and who will listen and help you if problems arise. Other donors, for example, understand what you're going through and can share tips on how they coped with similar concerns.

The electronic version of this document was created by NYSERNet, Inc. through a grant funded by the New York State Science and Technology Foundation as part of the Breast Cancer Information Clearinghouse.