Yesterday, John, Auntie Em and I had nothing better to do, so we spent the day at XYZ. We met with the Transplant Coordinator, Hepatologist, Surgeon, Financial Coordinator, Nutritionist and Social Worker. At USU, we had to run all over the place to meet with these people. At XYZ, we just stayed in the same (tiny) room and they came to us. That was nice, except for the small, hot room. The process was much like the process at USU...meeting with people, asking questions, etc. They wanted me to update some of my tests from USU so they did chest CT scan and...a new personal best - 20 VIALS OF BLOOD! The good news is that I drain quickly, so it didn't take too long.
XYZ has the highest one-year survival rate in the country for liver transplants, so clearly everyone is smart and competent, which is comforting. I prefer the personalities of my docs at USU, but ultimately, that's not what matters...it's the quality of the care, and that's where XYZ shines.
A panel consisting of the folks listed above will convene on Wednesday next week to decide whether to list me (which is almost certain) and to figure out my MELD score, which determines my placement on the list. Based on what is likely, and based on current projections, I may just have the surgery by the end of the year, and perhaps even sooner. I'm personally hoping for early December so by the time I am released from the hospital, I can be home over the Xmas break. As before, we'll see what happens.
Healthwise, I have good days and bad. Most days, I'm pretty fatigued. I'm itchy all over from the elevated bilirubin. My eyes are tinged with yellow and there is a slight yellow cast to my skin. I'm trying to adapt my wardrobe and makeup, accordingly. :)
I'll likely get an update next Thursday after the panel meets, so I'll send around another e-mail to ya'all at that time. Until then, be careful out there or a part of you may become a part of me!
Love,
Foie Gras
