Update:Preparing for bone marrow transplant
It’s been awhile since I offered an update of what’s going on with my health. Last time, I told you my bone marrow accomplished something. Turns out it wasn’t anything worth bragging about.
Two days ago I moved cross country. Moved into an apartment complex that’s population is entirely made up of transplant patients and their caregivers. So yes, I’m going for a bone marrow transplant. My suitable donor is someone I don’t know and won’t know until a year post transplant. That’s if she wants to meet me—they did tell me the donor is a female. What do you say to someone who saves your life? Especially if the someone is a someone whom you have never met? I’m taking suggestions.
Anyway the next few weeks will be filled with all sorts of tests and meetings to make sure I’m ready to go. If all goes well I’ll be admitted to the hospital in mid-March and receive the actual transplant a few days later. One quick thing, a bone marrow transplant is nothing like a solid organ transplant. It is NOT surgery. It’s more like a really important blood transfusion. More details to come.





February 26th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
hey matt! good to see an update and glad to hear they were able to find you a bone marrow donor. good luck with everything coming up…I’ll be thinking about you!
February 26th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Dear Matt, I will be thinking of you. Can you feel the positive energy I am sending your way? I know that everything will go well. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. You are an amazing and gifted young man with an incredible future ahead of you.
Much love to you and your parents,
Shirley Kruysman
February 27th, 2010 at 1:20 am
Matthew, I am overwhelmingly happy to read this update! Without a shadow of doubt, I know that everything will work out for you. I guess the best gift that you can give to your donor and to the world is to live a life of purpose. You have inspired many thus far and I know you will continue to do so in the future—Continue to pay it forward!
I am praying for you and your family everyday!
Love,
Debby
February 27th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Keep smiling Matt!
February 27th, 2010 at 3:18 am
Hi Matt,
I just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you. You are going to do so good. I know its no cake walk but its worth every step. Please keep us posted on your journey.
My son Gage also has Aplastic anemia and has never meet anyone with this diease. I told him about you many times and he also asks about you often. I’ll let him know that you have found a donor and your on your way to recovery.
Sincerely,
Denise
February 27th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Matt:
Michael will celebrate his 11th birthday at home this year..The good news is that he has been without any meds or trasnfusions for several months now! His platelets are still low, but the docs have postponed his transplant as they seem to feel it is not necessary at this time..
May there be such things as “remission”!
I spoke to your Aunt this past week and she told me of your decsion to move out to Seattle.. God Bless, I will certainly keep you in my prayers.. Keep us posted on your recovery.. and Kudos to the woman who came forward to be your “Hero”…
Sincerely,
Mary Barner
Vineland, NJ
February 27th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
so glad to hear that you’ve found a donor. Saying a prayer that all goes well and that you recover quickly.
February 27th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Will miss your posts during recovery and I wish you lots of luck! Your site and post are such a support! So happy you found a match! You will be in my thoughts.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Hi Matt, thanks for the update and glad you made the trip out west successfully. Pls know you are as always in our thoughts and prayers for all and only good things to come to you and your family as you continue on your journey. Nothing could ever of course convey your gratitude to your donor, and what she is doing for you is……you’re right, there are no words. God’s Blessings on Both of You!!!! Tell your Mom and Dad we were thinking of them! Lots of Love To All.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
best of luck, big guy
-cgw
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 am
Matt…WOW…I am soooooooo relieved that you have finally found a match, but im sure nowhere near as excited as you are !!! THANK GOD!!! I am praying for you always and am really reallly optimistic that this will change, and save your life. It will def. work right? I hope so..u should have such a long and amazing life ahead of u and so much to give to people!! Your strength and courage is so inspiring, maybe u should be a motivational speaker or something amazing that will touch even more people. I wish u the best always and I am praying for you!! Please update us with any new info!! wow i dont even know what to say to that girl…I wonder how old she is…maybe shes ur soul mate…uhg thats my romantic heart talking haha. ok buddy u hang in there and stay strong <333 godbless -Love always, Tiff
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Matthew, I have such a positive feeling about this next lap of the journey. Most of that positiveness (is that a word?) comes from hearing you over the past months; you have such heart. You go forward with your whole soul. I pray for the generosity and willingness of your donor. Blessing on you both.
With lots of huggles (sort of a hug and snuggle) Aunt Michele
March 4th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for the well wishes everyone. It means a lot.
-MCS
March 7th, 2010 at 5:32 am
best wishes.