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 via Twitter, follow me at Txplumber...
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.
The Birthday Bone Marrow & Blood Drive was held over last weekend. I would like to thank the many volunteers that came out to support the cause. Irony had me being admitted to MD Anderson on Monday October 26, and I was quickly scheduled for a blood transfusion. The first time in over six months. It was a special day not only for me but many others.
The Lone Star Circle of Life team kicked off the 2009 tour in Houston on Saturday, October 3. The local event was held at the new LifeGift facility at 2510 Westridge, Houston, 77054. The team arrived at LifeGift at 8:30 a.m. to meet their honorees and tell about why they are riding in the 2009 Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour, then the riders will introduce the person they are honoring. Following the reception, the team will leave for College Station, officially kicking off the 2009 tour.
I was honored by having Cindy Johnson ride for me. She came from North Carolina to participate in the event, when asked why she said "I know of no bettter way to honor the memory of our son, Andy and honor our son Brad than to spread the awareness of the need for blood, platelet, organ and tissue donations."
In July of 1986 her three year old son received a bone marrow transplant from his than four year old brother. There was only a 30% chance of finding a donor within there family. This was also before the National Bone Marrow Registry officially began. The transplant curred Andy's failing bone marrow and his immune deficiency. Although severely handicapped, both mentally & physically from brain damage caused by viral encephalitis 30 days post transplant, they were blessed beyond words and are extremely grateful for the 16 additional years that Brad's bone marrow gave them with Andy.
"By sharing Andy's story, his life will continue to have a positive imact on others. If only one life is saved it will be worth every peddle stroke."
Blood donations are always needed. 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.
