I have prostate cancer and my treatment is: Hormone Therapy and External Beam Radiation. Is my blood OK to use for what ever purposes blood banks use it?
I can't help any other way at the moment and wish to continue helping others. Prior to my cancer I would do volunteer work. Now I am too tired to do the physical work I used to do. Even driving my car has been too much.
2007-07-05 06:38:50 · 8 answers · asked by Arthur 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Thank you everyone, it was so silly of me to think I could donate.
2007-07-06 04:23:17 · update #1
Blood banks must follow Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Contact your area blood bank with this question.
Regarding the use of donated blood: By FDA regulations, if you are paid to donate plasma (this process is called plasmapheresis), this plasma is not transfused into human beings. The companies you donate to will sell the plasma to research companies and drug manufacturers.
You do not mention how long you have been receiving your radiation therapy. Your oncologist should be able to instruct you regarding fatigue--what causes it, how long it will last, what can be done to address it so you may become active again. You are a very unselfish, empathetic person to be still thinking of others in your own times of hardship--bless you.
Please talk to your oncologist. I hope your cancer is treated successfully!
2007-07-05 07:03:50 · answer #1 · answered by july 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Usually the criteria for donating blood is that the donar should be fit and healthy. As you are having treatment for cancer i would not think that it would be advisable at present .You have been helping others in the past by doing voluntary work and now you need to look after yourself.When you are well again i am sure there is lots of ways you can still help others and lead a full filling life.Good luck with your treatment.
2007-07-05 13:56:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for wanting to help, Arthur, but blood donation isn't the way to do it. I had cancer and chemo (no radiation) and was told I couldn't donate blood any more (ever) because of the cancer. It's a tricky disease and you can never be positive there aren't a few cancer cells in your blood.
Radiation is notorious for making you tired. I'm sure your doc is checking your blood regularly....white cells and red cells and such. There are meds you can try if they get too low. I used to drink the Ensure protein drinks every day to help with nutrition when I was too tired to cook.
I think this is a time when you can concentrate on yourself and getting better. The faster you get better, the faster you can get back to volunteering!
2007-07-05 16:30:35 · answer #3 · answered by Loretta 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Red Cross used to call me all the time to donate because I am B+, which is rare. However, when I told them that I was being treated for breast cancer, they stopped calling. They told me 5-7 years before I can donate again. Cancer cells can pass through the blood.
2007-07-05 23:12:16 · answer #4 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After radiation for breast cancer, my local blood bank permanently deferred me from giving blood. I don't know if it was because of the cancer or the radiation, but they just aren't interested in my O- anymore. Sorry.
2007-07-05 13:47:50 · answer #5 · answered by SUSIEQ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not ok to donate because of the treatments you are having. Your blood counts are probably below normal, probably anemic. On that count alone you won't be able to donate.
2007-07-05 14:43:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No you shouldn't be giving blood. Take it easy a while and concentrate on your own healing. You best serve others when you are ina better position to do so.
2007-07-05 13:47:27 · answer #7 · answered by Jeff the drummer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you can't because of your medication and treatment.
2007-07-05 13:42:01 · answer #8 · answered by Rick J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋