Blood donations are essential for cancer patients like Amanda Dinan, who received multiple transfusions during her treatment for Multiple Myeloma.
In early December 2021, Amanda’s life took an unexpected turn. After weeks of feeling unwell, she suddenly collapsed and was rushed to Mediclinic Constantiaberg. After initially believing she had COVID-19, she was told she had a pulmonary embolism. Further tests showed she was severely anaemic and urgently needed two units of blood. Although she was apprehensive about getting a blood transfusion, Amanda recalls feeling an immediate sense of relief once the blood was given.
“As soon as the blood entered my body, I felt this amazing life-force.” For Amanda, receiving blood was not just a medical treatment; it felt like a personal, life-affirming experience. “The fact that a stranger had gone out of their way to voluntarily donate to someone they will never meet is amazing.”
By April 2022, her health was still deteriorating. She had lost a significant amount of weight and constantly felt unwell. Concerned, she visited her doctor. Blood tests showed critically low red and white blood counts, a sign that something was terribly wrong. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: stage 4 Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Amanda started intensive chemotherapy immediately. During treatment, she required a blood transfusion. In 2023, Amanda had an autologous stem cell transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital. The preparation was gruelling; she spent a month in isolation receiving aggressive chemotherapy to prepare for the transfusion. Afterwards, she received a platelet transfusion to aid her recovery.
Multiple Myeloma is incurable, and Amanda manages it with daily medication and regular check-ups. The cancer and treatment have taken a toll on her body. She lives with multiple fractures in her spine and faces ongoing challenges with blood clotting and blood pressure issues. Yet despite everything, Amanda’s health is currently stable.
She works full-time for southsouthnorth an NGO that supports regional and national climate change initiatives. Amanda is grateful to all the blood donors who played a vital role in her survival. Because of them, she is able to work, spend time with her children and enjoy her life. If not for the selfless act of donating blood, her outcome would have been very different.
