A Liver Transplant Update

The Transplant Team's Decision

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

I chose this picture because I have never seen medical personnel so effectively use their phones to stay current with test results and treatments! They weren’t dependent on them, just effective with them.

We spent the day waiting for news from the liver transplant team. Time moves very slowly in moments like this. Scott has tests etc. that need to be done and gain strength so being placed on the transplant list is delayed but not denied. We are one step closer!

Reminder of the Sequence of Care

For those curious about how this process works, this is my best understanding at this point (without remembering the technical names for everything). I have bolded what will be next on this list.

1. Initial visit to determine if a liver transplant is a possibility/needed. (Done)

2. Extensive testing (Done except for one test on Monday)

3. Meetings with multiple teams of doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists, social workers, etc. (These will continue until we are dismissed)

4. Once all the necessary information is gathered, it will go to the transplant committee. This happened today.

5. The committee will decide on one of three things:

   1. Denial as a candidate for a liver transplant.

   2. The need for additional testing or treatments (This is the case.)

   3. Approval to be placed on the transplant list.

6. Once the requirements have been met, the committee will meet again to make a decision—with the same options as in #5.

What Now?

WE ARE HOME! Honestly, home has never felt this good. Tomorrow we begin working on all that we need to do to organize medications, call for appointments, and work toward Scott getting stronger. A liver transplant is a six-hour operation! Now that the Hepatitis B is being treated and his kidneys are stabilized, it is possible to focus on getting as healthy as possible.

Their only medical concern was a small spot on his pancreas that was too small to biopsy. What would normally be “looked at again later” is of more concern with a transplant. They are seeking outside consultation on this.

And now I am heading to sleep in my very own bed!