My beautiful Joseph with his blue eyes, ready smile and arms always open for a hug or a tickle fight

[Trazzletoes]

He has survived the most horrific cancer treatment with his smile, joy and love intact. Unfortunately the neuroblastoma has survived too.

I have lurked on this thread and not posted as did not know what to say. Trazzles I am so sorry.

Joseph sounds adorable and so brave. I have been thinking of you all day.

The other day I posted on the organ donation thread as was really in two minds about would I/wouldnt I sign up etc etc but after reading this thread I have decided I will give blood (if I can) despite being horrendous with needles, I will sign up for bone marrow register and also the organ donation register.

Ohhhh, DP lived in South Africa so,therefore can't donate blood, is that right? booooo :-(

Joe needs us. He needs us to donate blood as we can! :)

Not necessarily, Theonly, not at all, depending on how long he has been in the UK. He may still be a suitable donor.

Good for you ariane!

I'm so, so, so sorry to hear your latest news, Trazzle. It's heartbreaking. I just hope that the test results come back as helpful and hopeful as they could possibly be. xxx

I can't currently donate blood as five weeks post partum, but with others that would gladly contribute to get joes trip to Disney sorted, or if that's taken care of with a charity, then something else you would like for joe.
It feels so small in comparison with what your family and joe are facing every minute, but if we can help as shown on here we'd love too. I'm sure that's come out all wrong, but hopefully you get what I mean.

Massive hugs and prayers for all the trazzles.

Someone mentioned upthread about not being able to donate if breastfeeding, you can, the only restriction is must be at least 6 months after giving birth, just mentioning it in case that's putting anyone off going. I can't donate (anaemic) but DH is going next week. Will tell him about platelets.

That's really good to learn SuperFurrySlippers thank you. I'm bf but she's just over 6 months now so it looks like I can donate after all :) Will look into nearest centre in the morning.

Oh Trazzles, I am so very sorry to hear this. I am gutted for you all, and especially for little Joe, going through so much and it not being enough to beat the bastard neuroblastoma.

Will happily contribute towards his Disney trip - hope he regains some strength to enjoy it! - just let us know how. Wish I could donate blood as well but can't; living in Australia, I'm considered contaminated, and although I could donate while in the UK it's a bit too close to 6m since giving birth so probably not a good plan (Don't know if I'm considered contaminated here as well now!)

Love and strength to you all as always xxx

Thanks expat have emailed blood Scotland and asked

YAY for theonly and theonlyDH

YAY for ariane5

I've lurked on here for a long while and have been in awe of joe and you. You are both amazing. I wish you weren't having to deal with this.

Anyone who can't donate blood because of previous transfusions (I can't) did you know Anthony Nolan will still accept you onto bone marrow donor register up to the age of 30? Just thought I'd mention it as I was so pleased to find I could at least do that.

Ariane5 I remember you from the organ donation thread. You're a star! Very impressive considering your fears

Smiley does that mean those of us over 30 are not accepted?

And that is very easy, I did it that way.

Before you start a blood donation session, tell them and they take an extra sample and send it off for testing.

Thank you WouldBe.

Oh, can you? I assumed I couldn't because I'm over 40. Will look into it.

I cant donate blood as I am in Belgium and they don't want my mad cow infested stuff, but will happily make a donation/sponsor someone.

Trazzles, I'm so sorry for what you and your family are going through.

FWIW, I gave blood a couple of weeks ago (have been a regular donor for years, with time off for pgs and bfeeding) and only went and fainted for the first time in over 20 years !! But I'll be back...

Just so very, very sorry to hear the update on Joe.

Love to you and the family, Trazzles.

Xx

Expat, I didn't know that (about Cancer Research UK). I've already set up a standing order with them, will add something for one of the other charities mentioned - thanks for information x

Gave blood this evening and thought of Joe and all the other children struggling with this dreadful disease. Also asked about donating platelets, but there is nowhere near enough for me to donate .