Taking a Little Break...

[renfield]

One step closer to success.

The physical screening made me think of the scenes in The Right Stuff. I’d forgotten about the ridiculous number of vials of blood they took. “Hey, leave some for me!”

I was a near perfect match for my brother as well. The next closest match was a pool of people in Germany. Not too surprising given my heritage, but still a head scratcher.

The annoying parts are over. The donation is the best gift anyone could ever give a brother. Best wishes going forward.

 

[AreBee]

One step closer to success.

The physical screening made me think of the scenes in The Right Stuff. I’d forgotten about the ridiculous number of vials of blood they took. “Hey, leave some for me!”

I was a near perfect match for my brother as well. The next closest match was a pool of people in Germany. Not too surprising given my heritage, but still a head scratcher.

The annoying parts are over. The donation is the best gift anyone could ever give a brother. Best wishes going forward.

LOL! My blood was pretty much a slow dripping faucet by vial 15, but I squeaked the last two out.

I learned quite a bit of interesting stuff in my consultation such as a similar blood type between donor and recipient is not a factor for donation. My brother's blood type will actually permanently change to mine once he receives my cells.

We have a running joke that all his sports allegiances will change to mine as well which would be catastrophic for him because from a fan standpoint, we are 180 degrees from each other in all major sports!

 

[MarkinAZ]

Positive thoughts coming your way from Sun City West, AZ for you and your brother.
Hoping all goes well in the process coming in April

 

[renfield]

We have a running joke that all his sports allegiances will change to mine as well which would be catastrophic for him because from a fan standpoint, we are 180 degrees from each other in all major sports!

Ha! Same here. He and I went to rival universities and I told him his body would reject his diploma after the transplant.

Apparently even allergies are passed along. Funny stuff.

 

[SSGT.]

Wishing you and your brother the best, and hope you don't mind I'll be saying a few prayers as well.

 

[AreBee]

Wishing you and your brother the best, and hope you don't mind I'll be saying a few prayers as well.

I greatly appreciate your prayers. Thank you, and thanks to everyone for your continued support, prayers and vibes.

 

[AreBee]

T-minus one week to "The Gathering".

I somehow passed my social worker screening this morning and barring any unforeseen complications we are set for March 12th.

Last week, the doctors determined my brother needed his wisdom teeth pulled before the procedure so he has been in the hospital in Boston recovering from that. They will start his chemo in the next day or two and he will receive the stem cell donation shortly after they gather them from me.

I go up to Boston on Saturday for an injection that will start an increase in my production of stem cells. We will be sent home with 9 more shots which my wife will give me over the next three days before I go in.

Today is my 52nd day being alcohol and tobacco free. (It still sucks by the way.)

Appreciate the continued prayers and good vibes.

 

[Nevaditude]

Prayers for your brother tomorrow & blessings upon you. May you both be well...

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Again, all the good thoughts I can muster for you and your brother.

And when this is over, you simply must share with us what you decide your first smoke will be after that long of a lay off.

 

[AreBee]

Had my first round of shots yesterday at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. My wife gave me the second round of shots at home this morning. No side effects so far except for a little fatigue. I was able to see my brother who looks great and his spirits are really good. He started his chemo on Friday in preparation for stem cell replacement on Wednesday. Let’s git ’er done!

 

[ThermionicScott]

Good on you, @AreBee ! Hope it all goes well.

 

[The Benedictine]

Sending positive thoughts to you all!

 

[AreBee]

Well, my donation is in the books. 5.5 hours in the chair to get 5 million cells and I pumped out 11.6 million! First beer in 58 days was epic. A perfect pour at The Garrison House in Brookline, MA.

Wrapped up the brief visit to Boston with a stop at L. J. Peretti. I picked up a Dracula Halloween Pipe to commemorate the occasion. I thought it was fitting! Was excited to see the Poe statue as well.

First smoke still to come!

My brother got his infusion last night and is now in isolation in his hospital room. Appreciate the continued good vibes, and thank you all for indulging me on this journey. It has really helped to “write” it all down. I didn’t realize how much this was weighing on me until it was over. Will continue to update on my brother’s progress.

 

[daveinlax]

Awesome! Wishing you and your Brother The Best!!

 

[Nevaditude]

Excellent news & continued prayers.
May you enjoy the Guinness & Dracula Pete as much as he enjoys your 11.6 million. Brotherhood as it should be. Great pics, thanks for update!

 

[TheIronMonkey]

The Dracula pipe choice made me smile. Well done. I hope this treatment helps your brother.

 

[gervais]

Words cannot express how much of a warrior you are, brother. Prayers for you and your family!

 

[AreBee]

The Dracula pipe choice made me smile. Well done. I hope this treatment helps your brother.

HA! Glad you enjoyed that. I also started off my donation day by listening to AC/DC’s live album “If You Want Blood You Got It.”

 

[Briar Lee]

Greater love hath no brother that would lay down pipe and jug for his brother’s sake.

But afterwards——

 

[AreBee]

My first pipe in 64 days. Stokkebye Champagne. The first tobacco I ever smoked. The pipe is a house brand Vesuvio from Sisimbro pipe shop in Naples, Italy where my family is from. It made me realize how much peace this wonderful hobby brings to me.
Thank you all again for your kind words, thoughts and prayers