Need some help/advice, my Uncle has cancer...

We just found out tonight, apparently he has a type of melanoma and needs a bone marrow transplant and a metal rod in his leg. What scares me is that he could die from this.

I feel like an *** hole saying this, but I don't want to be a compatible doner simply because I don't want to find out if I'm at risk for anything, I don't want to go through surgery myself and I'm also worried about any side effects from having my bone marrow taken out.

I don't know why I posted this here, I know this isn't some social networking site, I just needed comfort or something.

It's always one big middle finger after another I guess.

You should take a bit of time to read up on what Bone Marrow donation means, and then sit down and think about what it would mean to lose your uncle.

This is one of those things that defines us as a person and adult, how we face illness and death. It's time for you to step up and face it.

Wanting to go through life not knowing about yourself is akin to sticking your head in the sand in the middle of railroad tracks. Sure, maybe you'll be okay, but I'd rather learn more about myself and be prepared.

On top of this, ignoring a dying relative when you could potentially save their life is not only selfish but will cause problems with the rest of your family. However, that being said, choosing to donate anything from yourself to another person is a very personal decision that you should research and decide on by yourself. But what are you losing if you are compatible and decide to donate?

What are you losing if you are compatible and don't decide to donate?

I'm sorry to hear your Uncle got cancer.

I have had many people in my family die of cancer, including my aunt and my dad. If I could have done something to help cure them or extend their life, I would have without hesitation.

But it's a personal decision for everyone. Read up on it. Think about it. Make a decision.

Thank you guys. I've decided that if I am a doner that I will do it, I'll be very uncomfortable, but I'll do it.

I know that not alot of people here really give a crap, but I just thought I should bring some closure to this.

Apparently, over the weekend, my Uncle thought we were all taking to long and he's somehow going to get Bone Marrow taken out from another area of his body and put into the weakened area.

I realize that this is an old post, but for anyone who was curious, my Uncles cancer has gone into Remission, now we're all just hoping it never comes back.

That is awesome. My prayers are with you and your family. I know how hard it is to lose loved ones to cancer. I lost my mother just over 5 years ago and my step-father 8 years ago this month. I hope that you spend as much time with your uncle as you can just in case.

Good news!

Oh congratz. I hope the best for your family.

I am glad to hear your good news! My father has been going through the same situation and it is just as hard on the family as it is on him. I wish you & your uncle the best, and I hope you and him make the absolute best of the time you have together. So it is with poor taste I will submit my favorite quote:

"Live long enough, and everyone you know gets cancer." ~George Carlin