But the 2nd month of treatment was very stressful for me and my family. I was getting blood work done every week and everything was going great, until one day I got a call from the nurse telling me to discontinue my oral chemo pill. Apparently, my platelets had dropped from 187 to 23 in a matter of a week. This was the scariest and most stressful time of our lives. I got 2 different platelet transfusions in a matter of a week and a half. The first time, I had to go to ER to get a platelet transfusion after the blood count revealed my platelets had dropped to 7 over the weekend! After waiting in the ER for 4-5 hours, I was finally called in and given the transfusion. I got 2 different platelet transfusions in a matter of a week and a half.

Knowing we did not have to worry about whether I could receive the platelets or not made a huge difference to my family and to me! This was one of the most challenging times in my healing journey and I was so grateful to know there were platelets for my blood type and for me. God bless the many souls who donate blood and plasma and platelets on a regular basis, or even if it was a one-time thing, I am so grateful for your generosity of heart and spirit. They inspired my husband to do the same, to donate his blood and platelets!

From my heart to yours, to everyone who has ever or will ever donate blood (blood, platelets, plasma), thank you!! For giving life to life!

With love & so much gratitude,

Preeti