Meet Lori Washburn
Conway, AR
I am 40 years old and I joined the National Bone Marrow Registry two years ago. I had seen a baby, Ethan Powell, on a prayer chain and chose to follow him on Caring Bridge. (caringbridge.com) Ethan had leukemia. His dad had been searching high and low for a donor. Unfortunately, Ethan passed away shortly thereafter, but his dad continued to encourage people to register. How could I not register?? I have 3 children of my own. I never questioned myself about that choice.
I got a call about 8 months after I had registered. They told me I was a potential match for a gentleman and asked if I would agree to have preliminary blood work done. I agreed, but never heard back from them. About 5 months ago, I was contacted again and was told the person I had matched previously, now needed my donation, and would I be willing? Well, of course!!
I had five cities to choose from that do the peripheral blood stem cell donation. I chose Denver, CO because it was the only facility that does the donation in one day. The other facilities take 2 days. I had to have a physical, chest x-ray and blood work, along with getting full medical clearance from my doctor to go ahead with this. I was given a “Donor ID No.” When I went for my physical and so on, I gave them my donor card with the billing information, along with my “Donor ID No.” They billed directly to the registry. They paid for absolutely everything!
I was the very first at my doctor's office to be a bone marrow donor, which really surprised me. I thought there would be more people doing this, but I've come to find out they are so short of donors!
I will receive 5 injections. They don't hurt anymore than any other shot would. I might feel a little flu-like symptoms from the Filgrastim, but that's not definite. I am advised to start ibuprofen or Tylenol on Sunday, August 29th, as a preventative measure. My first 3 injections will be administered in my home by a home health nurse on Sunday, Monday and 6:00 AM Tuesday, due to my early morning flight Tuesday morning. How very convenient for me! Wednesday’s injection will be at the hospital in Denver. I will be at the hospital at 8:00 Thursday morning where I will receive my last injection and make my donation.
I will be missing work Tuesday through Friday. I made the decision to go to Denver a couple of days earlier than needed, so I could rest a day. However, that is not necessary. There are no eating restrictions but I was encouraged to eat more iron-enriched foods.
The registry pays for EVERYTHING! They set up everything, pay for everything…not much to do on my part. They want a companion to fly and be there with you, so my husband will be with me. His expenses are also covered!
I will be in the hospital for a few hours, that's all. I don't know much about the recipient, just that he is a gentleman with Leukemia. After a year, if we both choose to, we can meet each other.
The majority of concerns I hear from people is “how much does it cost?” and the notion that registering is a difficult process. They are stunned to find out it's just a swab of the inside of your cheek!
Meet Lori's supportive family!
(click on thumbnails for larger view and comments)
Here's what Lori is telling us..............
(remember, Lori is making her donation on Thursday Sept. 2nd!)
Sat 8/28 - I am getting a little anxious. Not worried, just so much unknown and wanting it to work for this man.
Sun 8/29 AM - Just gave my last little vile of blood for my last CBC before I donate!!!
Sun 8/29 PM - I had my injection at 1:30. No side effects. I've been taking Advil every 6 hours just in case. The shot stung a little but it was over quick. Now 2nd injection is tomorrow at 8 AM.
Mon 8/30 - Just got my second injection. I am meeting KARK at my house at 1:00 today. I'm so excited about getting the word out! Yeah!!!!
Tue 8/31 AM - Got my 3rd injection this morning. On my way to the airport. Getting excited!!!
Tue 8/31 PM - (from Denver!) Today was good. Had my 3rd injection before my flight this morning. I am feeling a little ache in my bones, mostly my tailbone and hips. I've been taking Advil and it helps a lot. The ache isn't enough to keep me down though. We explored downtown Denver today...probably walked 6-10 miles. Had a great day. I keep telling my story to encourage others to register. I was on the KARK news yesterday and this morning and afternoon. So far I've heard from about 20 people that they've registered because of my story. That's what telling my story is all about!!!
Thu 9/2 - All done!!!! They even got more stem cells than they thought they would. The worst part was the muscles in my arm cramping because I couldn't move it. I was a little dizzy and light headed right after, but as time goes by I feel better and better.
Here's what Lori is saying today..................
I am feeling really good. No after effects at all. The procedure was flawless. They told me that my body had 5 times the amount of stem cells they needed, which is great! They were able to freeze some in case my recipient needs them at a later time. How awesome is that?
The only thing that bothered me about the whole procedure was keeping my left arm straight for 5 hours. I did have some muscle cramps because of that. Other than that I was good. I was a little tired afterward, but I went to a Rockies baseball game if that tells you anything.
I would do it all over again! I am so inspired now. I am anxious to hear how the recepient did with the transplant. I will let you know if I hear anything.
on Sep 14, 2010 Lori wrote...........
I feel great. No after effects what so ever!!! I should find out in about 2 1/2 weeks how my recepient is doing. I'm very anxious. I've been praying for him often.
on Sep 29, 2010 Lori wrote..........
I heard yesterday that my recipient en-grafted great! He is out of the hospital and is doing well. I can't tell you how excited this made me! I should hear updates regularly on him, so I will keep you posted!
on Oct 10, 2010......... Lori's hometown newspaper published this article
