The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen - G K Chesterton
Myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is a group of diseases in which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy blood cells. Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets originate in the marrow and move into the bloodstream when they mature. In MDS, the marrow produces too many immature cells (blasts). These blasts die in the marrow or soon after entering the bloodstream, resulting in too few healthy blood cells and low patient blood counts.
The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen - G K Chesterton
This is at Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank for the commercial shoot that is currently airing on various channels.
It has been a little over a year since I was diagnosed with MDS. The disease took my family and I on a rollercoaster ride that we will never forget. This site has been used for numerous projects. Raising the awareness for the need for blood and marrow donation is of the utmost importance. We continue to follow the stories of our friends that have been afflicted with cancer. A constant has been the journal I have kept through out this journey, it can be found by clicking my blog.
Thank you for stopping by,
Roger Contreras
I try to keep this site updated as much as possible. When I do not have access to my laptop I can send updates from my phone, they are posted below...
The LLS is an excellent source for information & assistance. I just started to use the forum section and am pleased with the responses I received. Here is a reply that was in answer to my question about magnesium...
Yes, I was still having trouble getting the magic amount of magnesium because of the Prograf. The docs tinker around with that a lot til they get it right. And the fatigue, expect that for a while. I remember I was well past my 100 days and still felt not only very tired, but a total lack of motivation---in talking with others here, that feeling's pretty normal, too. It gets better, though. How has the GVHD been, if you've had any? Hang in there---the eating and stomach issues get better, too, unless you are dealing with gut GVHD or infections, etc. But I'm hoping things will go smoothly for you---I'm coming up on a year soon from my MUD allo, all is well. Stay strong, and ask your doctor about anything you are concerned about; there are no stupid questions.----Pam
The need for blood donations go beyond what people see on television and the news. Blood is needed for individuals being treated for cancer, babies that are born prematurely, individuals with anemia and much more. Blood donations save lives and there is no substitute. It must come from one individual to go to another, and every donation can help save up to three lives. That is why we encourage individuals to Commit for Life and donate at least once every quarter.
I have had a catheter in my chest for over four months, it has just been removed and I feel free and liberated. To celebrate my independence I will be hosting a blood drive at Dream Rooms Furniture, 8622 Eastex Freeway Houston,TX 77093 - 59 North & Loop 610 . Jesse Valdez is being so kind as to let us use his location for this much needed event. All donors will receive a custom designed shirt and 10% off any furniture purchase. For more details and information on the fine furniture offer please contact (281) 541-3435. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on July 5, 2009 and I am in need of donors so please call me at (786) 281-8316. This is the first time I am hosting a blood drive. It is very important to me and I am trying to drum up more media attention, any help you can offer would be great.
Please help me, help others. October 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. We will be hosting our first Blood & Bone Marrow Drive. It will be held at Gabby's 4659 Telephone Road, Houston, Texas. The Gulf Coast Blood Center will be taking donations until 3:30 we would like donors to sign up as soon as possible.
You can sign up by contacting Roger at (786) 281-8316 or sending me an email.
Parking, Pills, & Meals
Can get a little pricey in The Medical Center. To assist with these costs I am offering these bracelets for a $3.00 donation. I hope to raise awareness of this rare life threatening disease while helping to offset some of my medical expenses.
