Update

Ron received his official - "You're on the transplant list" from Piedmont Hospital. The letter also mentioned he should stay healthy, eat right, take care of himself..........so, Friday he decided to cancel his motorcycle insurance and give his bike a rest. I think taking any risk at this point in time isn't a good idea. If he dropped his bike - broke a leg - and a liver became available - well, he'd miss it.

Along with Ron's Hep C - he's battling diabetes. Tonight his blood sugar dropped to 40 - he was moving in slow motion and dripping in sweat. A tube of glucose, 2 glasses of juice and 30 minutes later - his blood sugar is 66 (normal blood sugar ranges from 90-120).

Ron is experiencing regular nausea after evening meals - from what I've read - it's caused by the liver cancer. I think if he eats smaller meals and more often - it may help - we'll see.

Ron seems to be more tired every day. He comes home and takes a nap before he goes to bed for the night. Hoping for a phone call soon.

Life After a Liver Transplant Performed at Atlanta Piedmont Hospital

Understanding the Wait for a Transplant at Atlanta Piedmont Hospital

The Hurry-up Train

We feel like we've climbed aboard the 'hurry-up' train - waiting for the call - and now we're trying to be realistic since hearing the news that Ron is number 5 on the liver transplant list.

If the call doesn't come in 90 days - Ron will receive chemo for the liver cancer. We've set our sights on a new liver, but until that happens, he's gotta make due with the old worn out one; chemo will keep the cancer at bay.

The treatment is Chemoembolization - basically it's directed chemo - placed in the liver cancer tumor - cutting off the blood supply to the tumor - it's poison to the tumor.

Days will pass -we'll go to work, handle our household chores, enjoy our family and wait.........all aboard!

Birthing Babies

I know, funny title........do you remember, way back when.....when a woman went into labor - the doctor would send someone to boil water - somewhere in the back of our minds - we knew why (sterilize scissors) - but it always seemed like 'busy work' - just to give someone something to do to get ready for the 'big event'.

"Pack your bags!"......think about it. We'll get the call - make our way to the hospital - Ron will be asked to shower (probably with antibacterial soap) - they'll put him in one of those pretty gowns with the rear ventilation system.

Surgery will last 7-9 hours, 2-3 days in ICU (still in that 'refreshing' gown), and 7-10 days in the hospital; exactly when will Ron need all those pairs of socks and underwear?

So we've decided "Pack your bags = Boil water". That's okay, it's all about preparation - and we're ready - bags and all!

He's on the List!

The transplant team called today and Ron is on the list - and #5! We're working on a 'getting out of the house (quickly) plan' - not sure where to start.

"Pack your bags!"

Ron met with the transplant team today:

• Cardiologist signed off - cardiac issues - okay
• Waiting on some final paperwork and Ron will be listed for a liver transplant
• His MELD score is listed at 22
• If Ron doesn't receive a liver within 90 days, the doctor will place medication directly into the tumor and Ron's MELD score raised to 25
• Dr. Shrestha told Ron to "Pack your bags"

We're excited, anxious and hopeful! Thank you friends and family!

MRI Stress Test

Tuesday Ron is scheduled for an MRI stress test - this test will help the cardiologist decide if he's going to sign Ron's release - so we can hopefully get his name on the transplant list. Hoping for good news tomorrow.

Hurry up and wait

Ron had his heart cath last Friday - he has made several calls to the cardiologist - still no MRI appointment scheduled.

So I guess we'll hurry up and wait!

Heading down the road!

We're sitting in the cath lab - Ron's back in his cubicle, has eaten (a lot), and is now doing his 45 minutes of walking the halls before he's released.

Dr. Taylor, cardiologist, said they did find calcification in the main artery to his heart - but what concerns him is the blockage seen in the front part of Ron's heart. He's guessing 40-50% blockage - he doesn't 'feel' heart surgery is in order at this time....but before he can give the transplant team the 'go ahead', he wants to do a more comprehensive MRI. Once he verifies the results, he'll either sign off to the transplant team - or worst case scenario - he'll turn Ron over to the heart surgeons.

The MRI will be administered via outpatient and then he'll meet with the cardiologist to get the final report.

We feel VERY relieved - cautiously optomistic and ready to head down the road to Ron's final destination - liver transplant.

THANK YOU everyone - your support means everything to Ron and I.