To asf61 who sent a "like" to my 1st year journey and to any others who have been given a "death sentence" and are wondering what is next.
It is hard for those who have not been given a mortal limit to understand that it is an amazing gift. Until I had been given 2 months to live, life was good, tomorrow seemed certain, goals had vague deadlines, and dreams were waiting at some distant horizon.
2.5 years after my 2 month mortal timeline, I was given a "death sentence" and slapped in the face. Now each day I live is a miracle for me. And I am full of gratitude and joy. As my leash of tacrolimus dosage adjustments and the liver's stabilty is extended , I have less frequent blood draws and tests. Now I can travel short trips, I look forward to longer gaps between blood tests so I can travel farther and longer and eventually promise teacher workshops for schools to have time to approve, advertise, experience and be evaluated. I was lucky, my plan B (seek all possible medical solutions) which I ran concurrently with my plan A (prepare fir my exit) was a real option.
I have a friend who has no medical option to counter her "death sentence". We look at it, as I did, as a "life sentence" instead. I call this plan A. Get all things in order - wills, paperwork, items (photos, objects, etc) noted for those you hope to pass these items on. Telling those you love that denial is a burden on you. If you are in charge of finances, be sure your loved one learns how to take care of finances. Live your life however long with no regrets. My friend's husband is learning how to manage the home. My friend has doubled her engagements to support the community. She is writing, reading, addressing issues that she has held inside. Most of all she is creating wonderful memories by fully enjoying time with family and friends.
And then there is always "C" which is not a plan. Be open to a miracle. You can't plan a miracle nor expect it. What you can do is to allow it to happen.
I believe I was blessed by "C". Though I lucked out with option B of a liver transplant, after the doctors examined my removed liver it was a miracle I had lived to now have my gently used liver.
I hope this helps those whose imagined life span has become suddenly real and more finite. Each day is still is 24 hours. It seems shorter and faster if you measure it looking backward or for those who have been given a time limit, if you look forward.
Barbara aka ajdo129 (my donated liver's identity)