Friday, June 25, 2010

new donor

Yesterday started awfully weird and got progressively weirder as the day went on.  allow me to briefly break it down for you.  I was working out of my Naperville office (aka the naperville public library) and was on a conference call with some work folks.  I received the below email. 
So that's weird, right? that I would be asked to be a bone marrow donor for a 2 year old little boy?  given...you know...that I also have a 2 year old little boy who is looking for a donor?  So I call up Rose (from the email) and tell her that I am very willing and very able to be a donor for whomever needs it.  I then explain to her that this is kind of strange and explain matthew's situation.  She seemed a little confused and wanted to call me back, which she did about 2 minutes later.  She wanted to know which hospital Matthew was at.  She called back again and let me know that I was no longer being considered as a donor for this patient and thanked me for my time.  Due to all sorts of privacy crap, they really can't reveal anything, although she did encourage me to talk to Matthew's doctor and let her know that I was contacted.

I forwarded the email to Nicole who was sitting at the hospital with our doctor.  They were discussing how a new donor popped up on their system this morning.  Turns out a 35 year old male has also been found.  It also turns out that the 35 year old male is me.  I match Matthew on 7/8 proteins and the fact that we are related is a big plus.  The fact that I am remarkably handsome and witty is also a big plus but not as big as being Matthew's dad.  Matthew faced an uphill battle having me as a dad to begin with but now with a double dose of me, he certainly is in for it.

Matthew is still in isolation and has a bacterial blood infection for which he is receiving several antibiotics.  Infections such as these are unfortunately common in chemo patients, although Matthew has been lucky to not have one until now.  Although we think we caught it fast enough, the little man appears to be in a lot of pain and discomfort and he did not sleep a single minute last night.  We are trying everything thing to help him get comfortable. 

17 comments:

Melinda said...

:D

Anonymous said...

Gene:

I am so happy to hear this (Amanda forwarded me your blog). I will keep all of your family in my prayers for as long as needed. I really liked the part about you being "handsome & witty" - way to go DAD! :o)

Linda, Amanda's mom.

Garbis Grapevine said...

So, you are now a match???? That is too awesome!!!!!! The miracles are just beginning!!! Would that mean that Matthew would have your sense of humor if they use your bone marrow????

Hope he is out of pain soon. Love, hugs, prayers and positive energy your way!!!!!!

Lisa

Chris & Sandra said...

Absolutely amazing! Let us know if there's anything we can do.

Shannon said...

How wonderful that you're a match! Matt and I will continue sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!

Unknown said...

This is too much of a coincidence to be anything less than a miracle. Prayers that more are coming. My boys want you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.

xoxoxo
Rosemary

Kellie Jo and Vincent said...

This is great news! What a miracle!

amy said...

Tricia keeps me updated on you guys and told me the news last night- how exciting! I'm working Monday so if you guys are still in (hopefully you won't be!) I'll be sure to stop by for a visit!!

Sue Joy said...

OMG!!!!! Awesome stuff Gene!

Anonymous said...

We're praying that Matthew's infection clears quickly so you can prepare for a transplant. Our love,thoughts and prayers are with all of you. amj

gjoy said...

holy shit, youre only 35? all the good karma from the joys has been sent matthews way. he WILL beat this. The Joy Family

Carrie said...

Wow, that is crazy about being a match (in a good way!). I hope Matthew's blood infection goes away quickly and that he starts feeling better soon.

Matthew has inspired me to join the Bone Marrow Registry.

Carrie Katai

Anonymous said...

A group of Lester teachers have been saying mighty prayers. How amazing!! We will keep the prayers coming and the candles lit!!

Anonymous said...

A group of Lester teachers have been saying mighty prayers. How amazing!! We will keep the prayers coming and the candles lit!!

Unknown said...

Holy Moly!!!!! That is wonderful news!! Hugs and kisses all around!

Ellen said...

Nicole called and told me the amazing news. What are the odds of that, right? Wow! Sorry to hear little Packie is not feeling well. I'll pray he gets better soon, so he can recieve more doses of his daddy! Love you guys.

Ellen

Michelle said...

This is awesome news - a sure sign that the miracles do happen! I'll be praying he recovers from the bacterial infection quickly and is out of pain soon!