BigBF
Member
Posts: 814
Text message at 602-332-4872
Phx AZ
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« on: May 13, 2012, 03:30:50 AM » |
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He's only 44 years old. I hope he will successes to win it. BigBF Hi Y'all - I wish I can say something funny or share some exciting news with you all. Nope, not this time today... I have been sick for a while and was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) last year. MDS is a disorder of the stem cell in the bone marrow which is considered to be a form of cancer. Since last August, I went to see doctors once a month or two since then to keep track of my blood counts. My red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets have been dropped every time. I turned yellowish and pale and feeling "tired" sometime because of low red blood counts. Very few of you noticed my skin colors changing since last summer. Some wondered why I always answered "tired" even first thing in morning when they asked me "how are you?" I also got sick or infected easily because of low white blood counts. I got bruises easily because of low platelet counts. That was about all which is why I did not say anything about my blood disease yet. At that time, I was feeling fine, able to do my daily routine without any changes. I visited my doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore a few times and was told that we will work on a plan on May 11th. That's yesterday. I figured once I know what my plan is like then I'd make an announcement over the weekend and have time to be prepared to do what I need to do for both work and myself. What I did not know was the plan had already started last Thursday then on Friday my doctors told me that I need to get start with induction chemotherapy right away. I went like "Uh? Now?" and they said "Yes, now!" It was MDS that was evolving to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) according to my last bone marrow biopsy two weeks ago. My doctors did not want to wait. They think I have a better chance right now before I get a full-blown AML and have other health problems. I will be at the hospital for a few weeks. I know some of you who saw me very recently and thought I was doing fine. Yeah, I agree with you because I still feel great other than being a little tired. I am able to do many things like I always did before I got the MDS. I would not know about my health problem at all if I had not seen my family doctor for my annual checkup. So, off I go to Johns Hopkins Hospital for the toughest fight in my life... Hope I'll get to talk with you soon then. Oh, please do not send me flowers!!! (And not anything that can bring any kind of fungus or infections at hospital, ya know.) Please contact my wife as she's the one who will keep me posted since I'll not be able to check my e-mails much. Regards, Thad  |
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RDKLL
Member
Posts: 1222
VRCC #1231 VRCCDS #271
Mesa, AZ
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« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2012, 03:42:36 AM » |
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You will be in Andrea's and my thoughts from Philly BigBF.......
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Phil57
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« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2012, 03:47:45 AM » |
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Life changes in the blink of a eye. Good luck to your brother.
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
Member
Posts: 4146
Specimen #30838 DS #0233
Williamsburg, KY
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« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2012, 04:59:54 AM » |
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Sorry to see this. Thoughts and prayers to your brother as well as you and your family.
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8763
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2012, 05:13:49 AM » |
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That's truly bad news but there is hope. I will add Thad and your family to my prayer list. Good Luck, Thad!
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 Troy, MI |
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Karen
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« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2012, 05:17:51 AM » |
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Please have faith, Bill, there are medical miracles everywhere.
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bassman
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« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2012, 05:36:24 AM » |
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Bill, please pass along to Thad my sincere wishes for a speedy and complete recovery along with stength to you and his extended family during this difficult healing process. Will be thinking of both of you daily with postive thoughts from SE Michigan. Tell Thad I said "Hi" and to hang in there buddy.
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Crazyhorse
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« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2012, 05:53:28 AM » |
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Prayers from Middle Tennessee.
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16863
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2012, 06:17:23 AM » |
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I'm so sorry to hear Thad has to be in this fight. I'll hope and pray for a successful outcome. Please convey to him our best wishes.
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2012, 06:18:44 AM » |
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 We'll be thinking of him (and you and yours).
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Master Blaster
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« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2012, 07:17:10 AM » |
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Bill I am so sorry to hear this, we will be sending postive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Thad is too young to be going through this crap. I go for Chemo tomorrow, so have great empathy. Keep the faith and support him all you can, its a hard fight but the right attitude and support from loved ones does help. Again my friend I am so sorry.
Tom
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"Nothing screams bad craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."
Gun controll is not about guns, its about CONTROLL.
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Misfit
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« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2012, 07:17:32 AM » |
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Prayers for Thad and the entire Furguson family.
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If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.  |
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The Anvil
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« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2012, 07:21:35 AM » |
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He's young (too young) and looks pretty strong. So he's got that going for him.
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Boxer rebellion, the Holy Child. They all pay their rent.
But none together can testify to the rhythm of a road well bent.
Saddles and zip codes, passports and gates, the Jones' keep.
In August the water is trickling, in April it's furious deep.
1997 Valk Standard, Red and White.
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6910
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2012, 08:12:50 AM » |
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Wow, that sucks! For those who don't know Thad, he is a truly nice person... outgoing, friendly, and always willing to lend a hand.
At least it sounds like they caught it early.
Prayers and good wishes for Thad and his family!
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MP
Member
Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2012, 08:21:16 AM » |
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Charlene and I send our best wishes and prayers to Thad, and to all of your family. I know it is hard on your parents too.
We will be praying for a full recovery.
MP and Charlene
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 "Ridin' with Cycho" |
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Bama Red
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« Reply #15 on: May 13, 2012, 09:19:14 AM » |
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Damn!
Prayers up for Thad and you, BF, as well as all your family and friends.
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Never corner anything meaner than yourself.
VRCC Member #32561
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john
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« Reply #16 on: May 13, 2012, 09:52:35 AM » |
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vrcc # 19002
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Gear Jammer
Member
Posts: 3074
Yeah,,,,,It's a HEMI
Magnolia, Texas
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« Reply #17 on: May 13, 2012, 10:45:40 AM » |
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 "The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #18 on: May 13, 2012, 12:43:10 PM » |
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Prayers up from the Ozarks. May our Lord and Saviour wrap his healing and everlasting arms around thad and the family.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Super Santa
Member
Posts: 1907
VRCC #27029
Houston, Texas
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« Reply #19 on: May 13, 2012, 01:45:53 PM » |
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Prayers up for Thad and the rest of the family too. All is worth fighting for. Looking forward to seeing the family in Arkansas, Bill.
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #20 on: May 13, 2012, 02:38:19 PM » |
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Bill, so sorry to hear this. Thad is a great guy. He is in our prayers for a full recovery.
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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shortleg
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« Reply #21 on: May 13, 2012, 03:57:22 PM » |
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Bill
Goody and I just saw this and send our prayers.
We will be pulling for all of you .
All our love and prayers go to you both.
Shortleg[Dave]
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #22 on: May 13, 2012, 04:01:17 PM » |
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Hope they get ahead of this thing and get him better......good wishes and thoughts from GA....   |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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T-Bird
Member
Posts: 2487
A friend is one who takes me for what I am.
Cleveland, Tennessee
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« Reply #23 on: May 13, 2012, 04:09:58 PM » |
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Bill, Thad and your family will be in my prayers!
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wiggydotcom
Member
Posts: 3387
Do Your Best and Miss the Rest!
Yorkville, Illinois
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« Reply #24 on: May 13, 2012, 05:02:25 PM » |
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Best of luck to your brother, BigBF....and to your family. Stay positive and strong. Prayers sent!
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VRCC #10177 VRCCDS #239  |
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #25 on: May 13, 2012, 05:35:33 PM » |
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Bill, prayers and thoughts are on the way from Iowa for Thad, and all the Ferguson family.
Tell Thad I said howdy and to quit giving us scares like that, just get well.......
PS: I added Thad and you to the Prayer List at my Church......
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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GreenLantern57
Member
Posts: 1543
Hail to the king baby!
Rock Hill, SC
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« Reply #26 on: May 13, 2012, 05:38:10 PM » |
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Best wishes to your brother. Prayers for him, his wife, and you and yours!
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Lil D
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« Reply #27 on: May 13, 2012, 05:48:19 PM » |
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Prayers from western ny to you and your family...
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1997 Valkyrie - "Emanuel"
2001 valkyrie trike
I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through helps to make you the person you are now. ....Sophia Loren
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thumper
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« Reply #28 on: May 13, 2012, 06:16:41 PM » |
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Thad,
Good luck my brother. You may not believe this but as bad as things are and as bad as they may get there is every reason to believe that you will come out the other side and put all of this behind you.
I have walked a thousand miles in your shoes....believe me.
Thumper
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An oak tree is nothing but an acorn that stood it's ground!
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Chattanooga Mark
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« Reply #29 on: May 13, 2012, 06:38:07 PM » |
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Prayers from Chicago for a full restoration and recovery for Thad and the entire family. Stay strong and stay in prayer.
All the best,
Mark
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...do justice, love kindness, walk humbly... The Bible: Read, Apply, Repeat 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour, in all its pearl white beauty www.bikersforchrist.org |
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Thulsa Doom
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« Reply #30 on: May 13, 2012, 06:41:27 PM » |
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Prayers from Rhode Island.
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... and as I shifted into second I couldn't remember a thing she said.
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2607
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #31 on: May 13, 2012, 06:43:48 PM » |
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Sorry to hear. Stay strong, and know you've got the forces of this big disfunctional family pullin' for ya  Black Dog |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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Momz
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« Reply #32 on: May 14, 2012, 05:24:01 AM » |
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Prayer, best wishes and empathy for Thad.
God hears our thoughts and decides our fate.
Bless you and your family.
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« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 12:19:22 PM by Momz »
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 ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes |
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Jabba
Member
Posts: 3563
VRCCDS0197
Greenwood Indiana
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« Reply #33 on: May 14, 2012, 05:27:02 AM » |
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Good luck!
Please Tell thad good luck as well.
We'll all be pulling for him.
Jabba
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G-Man
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« Reply #34 on: May 14, 2012, 07:32:52 AM » |
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Hope they get ahead of this thing and get him better......good wishes and thoughts from GA.... This is exactly how I remember your guys whenever your names or posts come up! Wishing all the best from NYC! |
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BigBF
Member
Posts: 814
Text message at 602-332-4872
Phx AZ
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« Reply #35 on: May 15, 2012, 12:40:43 AM » |
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Thank you all...
I wonder if anyone be willing go to Be The Match Registry by National Marrow Donor Program.
I will do that asap and hope my bone marrow will match but I don't know if they will take mine due to my diabetes.
My brother and I have blood type O+ but for bone marrow type??? I am not fully understand about bone marrow because it has never happen to my families and now I need to learn more about it...
I'm not ready for my brother being gone, I know he's strong fighter. Damn cancer really pissed me off...
Let us know if you willing to do it for my brother of course that depend if it will match. I know it will help other people who need bone marrow too. I know I don't like and really hate the needle poke in me but if that will save someone's life will be worth it.
Thank you,
BigBF
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BigBF
Member
Posts: 814
Text message at 602-332-4872
Phx AZ
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« Reply #36 on: May 15, 2012, 06:21:26 PM » |
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Update: He had bone marrow for latest test yesterday. Tomorrow he will have hickman insert to his heart  then the drugs and chemo will feed him and will make him real sick for about 9 days :'( |
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BudMan
Member
Posts: 621
"Two's in."
Tecumseh OK
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« Reply #37 on: May 15, 2012, 08:27:52 PM » |
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There has GOT to be a match in a group this big, right? I don't know anything about stuff like this, but I think we shold ALL get tested for match status with Thad. I understand the process starts with a simple blood test for the donor.
What do you say? Let's do it!
Someone tell me how to get tested and I'll do it.
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Buddy
Tecumseh OK
MOOT# 263
VRCC # 30158
1948 EL Harley
2013 F6B Delux
"I rarely end up where I was intending to go, but often I end up somewhere that I needed to be,"
Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective
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BigBF
Member
Posts: 814
Text message at 602-332-4872
Phx AZ
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« Reply #38 on: May 15, 2012, 09:36:36 PM » |
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What I find on search google and I guess this is it? I will check with my sister in law to see if this is the right one? http://marrow.org/Thanks, BigBF |
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BudMan
Member
Posts: 621
"Two's in."
Tecumseh OK
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« Reply #39 on: May 16, 2012, 07:24:48 AM » |
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I just looked at the site BigBF put in his message. The test is not nearly as invasive as a blood test. All that is required is a swab sample from the inside of your cheek. It is as simple as that! I did that years ago as DNA testing for genealogical research work. I can assure you it is completely painless! Unfortunately, it looks like I’m just over the line in the age bracket.  Come on all you young guys and gals! Let’s find that match within our VRCC Family! |
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Buddy
Tecumseh OK
MOOT# 263
VRCC # 30158
1948 EL Harley
2013 F6B Delux
"I rarely end up where I was intending to go, but often I end up somewhere that I needed to be,"
Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective
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