I'm beginning to feel some anxiety about Ron's (hopeful) liver transplant. His next appointment, which is his pre-screening appointment, is July 6th.
We've been reading alot of information about the surgery itself. The planning - getting all his paperwork together - redoing his will - medical directive - insurance papers, his military discharge paperwork.
It all feels like he might go away. Right now, I can't think about that - I may never want to think about that. But something in my mind keeps reminding me that at some point in time one of us will have to go on without the other.
Everyone should sit and think about that - one of you in your relationship will leave you - not because they want to but because it happens. Does panic set in?
I want to believe his liver transplant will go on with little to no complications because he is a strong man who loves his family very much.
He told me yesterday - to make sure he sees Me, Libby and Oliver just before the surgery.
We live our life on the tiniest little thread - one tiny slip - or tear and life changes for all - like a ripple in the water.
I love you Ron.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Our First Meeting with the Transplant Team
It looks like it's going to happen. There are some 'ifs' - but isn't that what life's made up of.....
Here's what we know:
Ron does have liver cancer (lets put this aside for the moment).
We met with the coordinator of the transplant unit at Piedmont Hospital.
He believes Ron is a good candidate for a liver transplant.
Step 1: Pre-Screening appointment - we'll meet with the surgeon, dietician, social worker and take a class on liver transplantation.
Step 2: Ron will have a stay in the hospital for a day and a half and checked from head to toe - stress test, MRI, Pulmonary, Endocrenologist (spelling), bone density (you get the idea)....and make sure the cancer hasn't spread.
Step 3: Follow-up appointment to go over all the tests and do some blood work.
Step 4: The results are taken to a committee - with these tests, and Ron's MELD score, which if he has cancer is automatically accelerated to a score of 22 (if the MELD score falls within a range of 20-25 = transplant) - the committee decides if Ron is a good candidate for transplant.
Step 5: Ron is put on a list - we're told to pack a bag - stay near a phone day and night and wait.
The average wait for a new liver is 35 days.
The surgery itself takes 5-7 hours
ICU for a couple of days
7-10 days in the hospital
We're a tad overwhelmed but optomistic - need positive thoughts and prayers!
I will post anything new - thank you friends and family for taking the time to read our blog.
Pam and Ron
Here's what we know:
Ron does have liver cancer (lets put this aside for the moment).
We met with the coordinator of the transplant unit at Piedmont Hospital.
He believes Ron is a good candidate for a liver transplant.
Step 1: Pre-Screening appointment - we'll meet with the surgeon, dietician, social worker and take a class on liver transplantation.
Step 2: Ron will have a stay in the hospital for a day and a half and checked from head to toe - stress test, MRI, Pulmonary, Endocrenologist (spelling), bone density (you get the idea)....and make sure the cancer hasn't spread.
Step 3: Follow-up appointment to go over all the tests and do some blood work.
Step 4: The results are taken to a committee - with these tests, and Ron's MELD score, which if he has cancer is automatically accelerated to a score of 22 (if the MELD score falls within a range of 20-25 = transplant) - the committee decides if Ron is a good candidate for transplant.
Step 5: Ron is put on a list - we're told to pack a bag - stay near a phone day and night and wait.
The average wait for a new liver is 35 days.
The surgery itself takes 5-7 hours
ICU for a couple of days
7-10 days in the hospital
We're a tad overwhelmed but optomistic - need positive thoughts and prayers!
I will post anything new - thank you friends and family for taking the time to read our blog.
Pam and Ron
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Alcohol NO - Virus YES
Ron is always quick to inform people - he doesn't drink - hasn't drank in years (17+ yrs) - since his diagnosis. People assume he must be an alcoholic because he has cirrhosis of the liver....NO, the scarred liver tissue was caused by the Hep C.
I keep telling Ron - he doesn't have to explain anything to people.........three weeks ago Ron had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. He told the paramedic he had Hep C and the paramedic asked, "Are you still a drinker?"
I keep telling Ron - he doesn't have to explain anything to people.........three weeks ago Ron had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. He told the paramedic he had Hep C and the paramedic asked, "Are you still a drinker?"
Transplant Team
We have a meeting with the transplant team in a couple of weeks - the journey will finally begin. Ron has a spot on his liver that has doubled in size in 6 months. This spot may place Ron higher on the transplant list.
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