Hazard - Road Block!

The transplant team met with the committee today to discuss Ron's case for transplant. Our transplant coordinator, Cindy, called with some 'not so good news'. During one of his CTs they came across calcification of his aorta and coronary arteries.

Ron is scheduled for a heart cath at Piedmont-Atlanta, Friday, August 6th.

From what I've been reading, 26% of patients waiting for a liver transplant have some type of cardiac issue..........and if the patient is transplanted without resolving the cardiac problem, there is a 50% fatality rate.

We're not sure what they will find during his heart cath - whether they will be able to resolve the issue then and there, or his condition will require open heart surgery, or they will postpone the liver transplant or 'nix' the transplant all together.

I do know that if he doesn't receive a liver - the liver cancer will continue to grow and we don't have any time to waste.

We'll wait to hear - Ron is disappointed - but we're not giving up!

Wednesday - Take a Deep Breath

Wednesday the committee meets and goes over Ron's case - if they vote in his favor he will be placed on the transplant list with a MELD score of 22. Cross your fingers.

Lots of Paperwork

Tonight we looked through all his liver transplant paperwork - filling out his advanced medical directive: someone who will make medical decisions for him should he not be able {me).

We read the large packet of information about the complications of transplant surgery: length of surgery, what tubes go where, how many days in ICU......there are so many steps and things to know - I think it's best to get an overall view, but take only a few steps at a time...otherwise, it will be very overwhelming.

Ron is feeling good - positive - ready to go!

Ron's little buddy!

Papa and Oliver

Higher MELD score

News is good. Because the lesion in Ron's liver has grown (just a tad) - his MELD score has been raised from an 8 to a 22. Remember, in order to receive a liver, the MELD score must be between 20-25.

The transplant committe meets every Wednesday and hopefully they will submit his request. He was told - we should hear something in 2-3 weeks. Once he's placed on the list - we pack our suitcase and wait.

Waiting on News

Ron spent the day at the hospital having tests - more tests in the morning - then home. One of the transplant team doctor came by his room today - and said so far - all the tests - he's an absolute 'perfect' candidate - and if all goes as planned - his case could be presented to the committee in the next 2-3 weeks. I don't want to get ahead of myself (I can't help it) - once placed on the list - we pack a suitcase - concentrate on keeping him healthy and wait on a call.

Our next appointment is August 3rd to officially go over the reports. I can tell that Ron feels much more positive!

PJ Party @ Piedmont

Ron's going to Piedmont tomorrow morning - bright and early for a couple of days of testing. The tests are the next step on the road to getting his name placed on the transplant list. Ron is always the positive thinker in our relationship...I, on the other hand, think everything that could possibly go wrong....will. This time, he has a touch of 'things going wrong'.

Ron has liver cancer and I believe the cancer is primary to the liver - meaning, if he has cancer some where else - it's not a good thing. Secondary liver cancer could get him thrown off the list before he's placed on it. He's afraid he has cancer some where else.....I, on the other hand, (this time) believe only 'good things'.....I don't believe he has cancer any where else.

Needless to say, Ron is nervous about tomorrow. He's stressed and worried, but he'll get through it - 'cause his family loves him....and Oliver needs his Papa.

Do you hear me Ron? You will be fine and you'll get through to the next step - and you will be placed on the liver transplant list. I love you!