11 replies to this topic

[0vercast]

Somebody asked me the other day if I'm an organ donor.  Made me think...

[GerryL]

As far as I am aware we can't donate any blood products as there is a concern that the leukemia may be able to be passed on that way. Organs would have the same issue.

[WoofWoof]

The quick answer is no you can't donate blood or organs. I think Trey once posted that the problem with organs is that the blood can't be cleansed from them.

[hannibellemo]

I believe we can donate retinas, but that is it.

Pat

[0vercast]

Do you know if there have ever been any instances where leukemia was passed that way?

[hannibellemo]

From the American Cancer Society:

"There have been a few cases in which organ transplants from people with cancer have been able to cause cancer in the person who got the organ. But there is a major factor that makes this possible -- people who get organ transplants must take medicines that weaken their immune systems to keep them from destroying the transplanted organ. This seems to be the main reason that cancer in a transplanted organ can, in rare cases, give cancer to the person who gets the organ. Careful screening is done to help keep this from happening."

Pat

[PhilB]

Hi Pat, I think you'll find it's corneas rather than retinas.

[0vercast]

Ah, interesting.  Thanks.

[Marnie]

No one would want my corneas.  Darn.  Guess I'd better cancel my donor card one of these days.  Just can't quite bring myself to do it, even though there's nothing left in this body that anyone could use.

[HeatherZ]

I feel the same way Marnie.  I hate the thought of canceling my card because I feel like that means I am unwilling to give something to someone else but at the same time I know no one would want what I have to offer.

[Samcerly]

I would imagine we can also donate skin, for burn patients.  When my father died we did this.  I have had my organ donor card since my first drivers license and won't give it up, cause if there's anything I can do I want to.

[hannibellemo]

You know, Phil, that didn't sound right when I typed it, but the correct word would not come. I can't even blame it on Sprycel right now. Thanks for the correction!

Pat