We saw my sisters transplant doc today and she is definately at the end stage of liver disease. I have a very heavy heart tonite. The doc would like to see the transplant done asap. She has 2 more tests to be done within the next 3 weeks, if they can't be done here by then, we will have to travel again back to Toronto to have them done there. Provided she is clear on them she will be placed on the transplant donor list.
The doc is very nice and very personable. Very funny guy. He said, 'you know, this will go alot quicker if you B.Y.O.D. (bring your own doner lol). I have the phone number to call to be a live doner and will call 1st thing tomorrow to set up screening. My daughter will also be screened. My son unfortunately is 6 months shy of being old enough. He wants to donate if he can. I am going to ask if they can at the very least screen him now, and if necessary, we will be ready in Dec. if he is the best choice. The doc is hoping to get this done within 3 months. If she has to wait for a deceased doner, her chances of recieving one are very slim, as I am sure you all are acutely aware of.
Again, I believe in God's will. We have to keep moving forward and doing the footwork. Thanks for letting me spill here. I am glad there is a place to go where people understand.
Karin, I hope that you or your daughter will be suitable donors. If your sister is unable to find a living donor and has to use one from a deceased person, I do know that Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn., Phoenix, AZ, and Jacksonville,FL) has the shortest combined wait time for liver transplant of any place in the country. People come from all over the world for the cutting edge technology and brevity of waiting time for a transplant. You live in Canada, right? Would it be possible to come to the USA? What type of insurance do you have? If it's acceptable to Mayo, I know they take people from outside the US. If this is a possibility for your sister, and you are interested, I can send you some info. I am going to Mayo, Jax myself for treatment of liver cancer. I originally went there because I thought I would need a transplant, but found that I do not meet the criteria for transplant.
Thanks so much for the replies. I am not sure the States is an option for us. Ha we are both dirt poor single Mom's. I don't think her insurance would cover it. But good to know for the back of the mind kind of info. I got my information package as to the stats and procedures for a live donation, holy maceral, there is alot of info. Just finished reading it and filing out the medical history for myself. Will fax it off tomorrow. Like I said, just keep doing the next right thing.