I attempted to give blood last week...and was refused. The worst part was having them stick my finger before going over the questions that would, ultimately, disqualify me as a donor. I hate that finger prick...it hurts more than donating. Note to Red Cross: Ask your damn questions before sticking me!!!
The nurse began to review my answers by asking aloud every computer provided question to which I had responded affirmatively. “Do you have any heart or lung problems?” Yep, asthma. “Do you have, or have you had, cancer?” Yep. “What kind of cancer?” Prostate “What was the date of your last treatment?” I didn't have treatments, I had surgery. “How long ago was your surgery?” November 21. “I'm sorry, you're not eligible to donate...you need to be cancer free for a year.”
Now this gets interesting...prior to (and following) diagnosis,I had no symptoms; in all likelihood, I had cancer the last time I donated. If one ascribes to the latest fad of no testing...how many people are going to be donating blood who have cancer? Is that OK with the Red Cross? If so, why the hell can't I donate after the only (known) cancer in my body has been removed? I have a piece of paper that certifies no cancer in surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
In the face of the movement to do away with screenings for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer, how confident should the public be of the blood supply? I think I'll address this to the Red Cross and see how they respond...then I'll report back to all y'all (the proper plural of the singular y'all).
Of course, I could have lied....
No comments:
Post a Comment