Youall are reminding me I need to check whether or not I still qualify as an organ donor. It always gave me a good feeling to have that option checked on my drivers license, plus I was also on the marrow donor list.
Thing is I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, followed by a double mastectomy (the double part was at my request) which revealed at pathology no sign of malignancy anywhere include "sentinel nodes". Accordingly, I didn't need chemo, radiation or even hormone blockers. If I hadn't been required - at the time much resented - to have a second biopsy (from a very different part of the right breast), I'd fear I lost my breasts for nothing.
I prefer to consider myself hugely fortunate all told (especially when I read of women who've suffered all the indignities I was spared).
But back to the first point...Do I still qualify as an organ and marrow donor? According to my expert source ("Dr. House" show), there are levels of qualification, meaning that some folks whose creds to receive transplants are marginal on account of age or other med problems, would welcome organs from a donor like me. One who might be considered compromised. I have no systemic problems at all apart from low thyroid and slight atrial fibrillation (spine is a mess but that couldn't count). I'd figure my organs except for the heart would be "catches" even for someone not in the marginal recipient group. (I'll bet my lungs, kidneys and liver are pristine.
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But does the medical system view it that way (just in case that "House" show doesn't provide a final verdict)? Surely, they would check my medical records carefully post-trauma (or whatever lays me at death's door), but checking that box per protocol would probably be helpful.
What IS protocol, though? I'd hate to uncheck it if not necessary. Especially pertinent since I need to renew my drivers' license within a week!
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The most dangerous word in the language is "obvious"
