Oh...where do I start....

First off I want to thank everyone for the facebook posts, emails, texts and phone calls.  The outpouring of love and support is beyond what I would have ever dreamed.  I am so lucky to have so many friends and family all of the world :)

So today I had my first transplant meeting with my coordinators and social service workers.  There is so much information to pass on I will just break it down what is happening at this time.

Tomorrow morning I start preparing for my transplant tests- getting flu shots, and immunizations, getting my dental records cleared for surgery (can't have any cavities)  and getting my referral to a GI doctor to decide what to do with the mass on my liver.

After all my preparations are in order we start the actual transplant testing in the next few weeks- not sure what I have to do but I am sure it will be a battery of tests.

Once I complete all the test I am put on the transplant list- I have requested to be put on duel lists- UMC Tuscon and UMC Las Vegas.  I did ask about Minnesota but the hospitals do not  work with Deac's insurance. 

So I have two options:

1.  Cadaver Donor- Once on the transplant lists I will tour both hospitals and meet with both transplant teams to answer any questions and have the drill ready.   If it is UMC Vegas I will have 2 hours to get to the hospital and stay for 5-10 days after the transplant and then be at home for up to 12 weeks.  If it is UMC Tuscon I will have to drive to Henderson airport ASAP and get into a Medivac Helicopter and fly to Tuscon for my transplant stay in the hospital 5-10 days then stay at a hotel for up to 12 weeks.

2.)  Living Donor-  Should I find a living donor that matches we will schedule an appointment for transplant and same thing hospital then at home if Vegas.  The donor will be 2-3 days in hospital and then a a few weeks recovery off work.  This is a tough one- although I would like a living donor I would in no way want anyone to ever feel obligated just because oh let's say they are my sister :)  This is a most selfless act and I would not want anyone who is being tested to take this lightly.  It is not an easy road for the donor either and this would have to be something the donor and only the donor really feels they would want to do.  I would have the same respect and love for my sister if she said it is too much and couldn't do it.

So in the meantime- if I do not get a living donor in the next month or two I will meet again with my Kidney Doctor we will start to prepare for the tube to be put in place for dialysis.  My case worker said if I choose to do the 3 days a week in center dialysis I would be considered disabled and go out of work on disability but as much as I would love to not work I do not think this is a good option.  I think the 10 hours a night 7 days a week is a better choice.

If it looks like dialysis is coming I will be going back to Minneapolis for a mini vacation and a last girls night out before I am strapped to my house every night.....so get ready ladies!!!

I am very lucky to have such a great family to support me at each medical visit.   Deac is applying for Family Medical Leave so when I do transplant I do not have to worry about my two baby girls and knowing they are with their father will bring me much comfort.  If I do go to Tuscon I hope they will be able to come down and visit with me at least one time.  I will not be alone in Tuscon as my Dad and Mom could both take turns staying with me in the hotel so I do not loose my mind. 

I hope everyone has a great Holiday and remembers even when life is hard you always seem to make it through.   I am trying to stay busy with friends and family so I do not get depressed or feel sorry for myself, I am on overdrive these past few months- it is really hard to just sit at home alone at night when it is quiet.

Here are a few photos from our adventure of today- my caregiver team- minus my Dad who is in Minnesota :(

Deac, Sara and Mom

Deac, Me and Mom