There is not doubt that everyone here, at this site, are benevolent and highly giving individuals. Why else post? I just don't see the benefit from giving blood. Back in the old days I was a member of the "Gallon" clubs, but no more. I am no expert, but why risk it? I'm sure, if there is a 5 year wait, it has been fairly well researched, but why take the chance with some unknown persons life? I don't much enjoy having this disease and the thought of, however well intentioned, passing it on is very disturbing to me. Maybe you should consider organizing some local blood drives, that would have a positive impact on the blood supply and your personal need to do good for others.

Just another one of my myopic thoughts!

I once asked two doctors about organ donation and they gave me the same answer that I am not eligible for donating any organ, not even if it is in good shape. One doctor told me they may consider those organs from brain cancer patients but not others. She gave the reasons but they are too complicated for me to explain here. Rather discouraging since I really wished before I had cancer to donate my organs when I die.

Karen

You have a very good point, Glenn. I was upset at being summarily excluded from something that had been a part of my life for decades. Upon serious consideration, I will now just forget it. Thanks for providing a different perspective.

I totally agree with Glenn's point. Additionally, if I ever need blood, I would not want it to come from someone who has had cancer or any other disease that my supressed immune system might not be able to handle. Let's keep ours out of the general system and donate only when our rare blood type is the last pint available to save a dying patient's life.

Eileen

Thanks be to all of you. Sometimes I come up with what I think is a "stupid" question and debate whether or not I'm going to ask it.

When I saw the blood donation letter arrive at my house last week, again I wondered. It's good to know though if I can make it five years "clean" I might be considered a normal person again.

Now all I have to do is concentrate on getting more meat on my scrawny self. Guess organ donation is out of the question.

Jen

Hey Guys
Don`t feel bad , I have been giving blood and platelets for years until I was " banned " because I had been to the UK and might transfer Mad Cow disease. Now I know a few "Mad Cows" but I don`t think any of them are diseased!
Cheers
Marica

This will likely just drop into the abyss, but there is little doubt in my mind that it could also turn into yet another PEG or no PEG topic.

Just to point counter point Mr. Glenn, I will return to giving if at all possible. I am of the belief that generally when someone needs blood it is to save their life, right then. I do not think that it is given to folks just because they request it.

I'll give that someone a chance to live a bit longer thank you. Getting out of bed is a chance we take every day. I'll take the chance that my blood will extend someones life, even if but for another day, week or month. They just happen to be someones loved one, as I am and all of you are.

Bill
(with an oposing view)

Bill,

Abyss? I doubt that!

I think you would find that blood, for the purpose of a life threatening trauma or surgery, would always be readily available. If the fact that your ability to give blood provides you with a sense of "having beaten this disease" more power to you. If that person dies from YOUR strain of cancer then that is a moral decision you will have to live with. Me, I don't get it. You would risk infecting someone with cancer?...........I still don't get it. I think I'll go to my books, but in NY, I sure hope that would be a crime! I believe it is an issue with other blood borne illnesses.

Glenn

I have one of those blood types that seems to be fairly rare, and I've been inclined to try to give when I find out that it's in particularly short supply. At this point, I've been cancer-free for nearly 17 years, and I know that if I pass the initial Red Cross screenings to give it, they do further testing beyond that point to see if they find any other problems with it. As I look around at many of the people I know in my age group (mid-50's), I seem to be as healthy as most of them -- if not more so -- so I don't feel guilty if I pass the up-front screening process and they have my blood to work with and see if it's worth using. In light of all the things that can disqualify people these days (such as travel to countries where mad cow might exist, family health histories, etc.), there are fewer and fewer people who are eligible to donate blood at all, so the supply is not really plentiful for all types all the time.

Cathy