Cancer caregiver: 4 reasons I donate blood at MD Anderson

My husband, Allan, started receiving treatment for stage IV prostate cancer at MD Anderson in the summer of 2022. He was in such bad shape by the time we arrived that he was admitted to the hospital right away. 

Visiting hours were still somewhat limited back then, due to gradually loosening COVID-19 restrictions. So, I had a lot of time on my hands. I wanted to help out but didn’t quite know how. Then I saw that MD Anderson was having a blood drive, and I knew my moment had arrived.

I’d been donating blood locally for about five years by then, but I felt called to give at MD Anderson that day. I knew many cancer patients at MD Anderson needed blood regularly. So, I wanted to give back to the place that was saving my husband’s life. 

Here are three other reasons I give blood at MD Anderson.

My husband’s check-ups match my donation schedule perfectly

Allan and I travel from our home in Tennessee about every three months for his checkups at MD Anderson. That works out perfectly for me because it usually takes a little more than eight weeks for my iron levels to build back up.

We’ve been to MD Anderson nine times now since that first visit in 2022. And I’ve donated blood during seven of those visits.

I missed one because I was attacked by yellow jackets right before our trip, and was still on steroids to control an allergic reaction. That made me ineligible. And our first two trips were too close together for me to donate again just yet. But I plan to keep on donating blood now every time we’re at MD Anderson. It’s become a really good habit.

Donating blood gives me an excuse to eat a hearty meal

One thing I found out the hard way was the importance of eating a good meal before giving blood. The first time I donated locally, I had not eaten enough. So, by the time I got home, I was practically passing out. I could actually feel myself losing consciousness. 

I ended up vomiting once and then feeling better after drinking some ginger ale. But I didn’t realize at the time that it was because I hadn’t eaten enough before giving blood. I just figured I wouldn't be able to donate again. 

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want to give up that easily. So, I ate a hearty meal and gave it another try. I’ve had no problems since then.

MD Anderson makes donating blood quick and easy

The process of donating blood at MD Anderson is very efficient and normally takes less than 30 minutes. So, whenever my husband gets his next treatment appointment, the first thing I do is book our flight and hotel reservations. The second thing I do is make an appointment at MD Anderson Blood Bank.

The online booking process is fairly easy. And the staff are equally friendly, whether I’m at the Blood Donor Center at MD Anderson’s Main Building or the Blood Bank location at Holly Hall.

Most people bring a friend or family member with them to their appointments at MD Anderson. So, if you’re one of them, please consider scheduling an appointment to donate blood while you’re there, too. Even if it turns out you’re ineligible, it can’t hurt to try. After all, we’re all affected by cancer in some way. And you never know when the person who needs a transfusion might be you or someone you love.

Schedule an appointment to donate blood at MD Anderson online or call 713-792-7777.