177. It was three long years between donations 176 and 177.
When I was first cleared of cancer on November 17, 2020, you had to wait until you had been cancer-free for at least five years in order to donate blood again. But out of curiosity, because they change policies all the time, I recently checked the Canadian Blood Services website. I learned they had changed the restriction so that many people who have survived cancer can donate after just one year. So I immediately called and made an appointment.
I am so so blessed that I’m able to give blood again. Thank God I’m healthy, I eat very well, and I take care of myself by exercising every single day.
At this point, like I say every year on the cancer-free day and every time I give blood, please, please (I truly hope everyone listens to this!) take care to get all your recommended health screenings, whether it’s a colonoscopy, PAP test, mammogram, bone density test or PSA test. Because I had a PSA test, my prostate cancer was detected early enough that it could be fully removed through surgery, and I didn’t have to have chemotherapy or radiation. Thank God.
What I’m most grateful for, of course, is my family and my friends. If my cancer hadn’t been found early, I most likely wouldn’t have met my beautiful granddaughter Maci (who just turned two this past week), nor would I have met Pinchas or Maya, my sweet, beautiful four-legged kids.
Finally, as I say all the time, please donate blood if you can. It’s in you to give…it’s the gift of life. Thank you. God bless everyone.
