Friend was recently removed from the liver transplant recipients list
My friend’s medical team has decided to remove her from the liver transplant recipients list. I am not her caregiver but a friend. I am here because I am quite shocked and have no idea how I can help my friend. If anyone could suggest or share a similar situation, I would be most grateful. I understand and apologize in advance if my post is not adequate here. 🙏
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Have you put denied transplant in the search bar above? There will be posts that show and maybe someone has talked about it.
For sure there is more info on why it was canceled. Those details like the condition of her liver could be a reason.
If she does not know, ask if you might help her get the info. There will be a reason for the removal. Sometimes what a patient needs are a friend to support at the doctors, after and in any and all ways needed. You are being a good friend.
What reason did they give for this? They typically will send a letter because they have to notify UNOS also and UNOS will also send a confirmation letter with the reason. Maybe her MELD score went below 15 and then you aren't on the list anymore but being monitored until it goes back up. She can login to her patient portal (most all providers have those now) and see the notes in her medical records. Hang with her, she's going to need it.
Good afternoon, and thank you for your replies. My friend passed away last week, in the night between Wednesday and Thursday. At 12:12 am to be exact. I was with her. I look at her passing as a blessing in disguise. She was in much much pain. I never did find out exactly the reasons why she was removed from the list but I suspect that there were various reasons for the team to decide it. I believe that the main reason was that the disease had progressed so quickly and in a quite violent manner. She had stopped eating and by the time they last saw her, it appeared evident that she could not have survived the transplant surgery. I have tried to help her these last few months. What I learned is that the support system in this type of procedures is key. My friend did not have it. I live in Peru most of the time. Her family (her son) never showed up for her. I miss her very much but I am glad to know that she is no longer suffering. I so wish she could have made it but… I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you who are going through this type of experience much healing. I had the opportunity to visit Mayo up in Jacksonville and I was amazed by this institute. Best Wishes to all, Sandrine
Sandrine,
I am so sorry for your loss and her families. I believe sometimes when someone is too sick, they cannot do a transplant as it will not work. The fact you were there for her and with her was a true blessing. I can only imagine her pain. No words can change the fact that she passed, but who she was on earth will always be treasured. Memories and mostly good ones will be there as time goes on. Take care of yourself and know that good friends like you are what make friends know they are loved.
Hi, Sandrine.
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I applaud you for doing all that you could to help her. You were truly a good and supportive friend to her. I pray for comfort and peace for you and for her family during this sad and difficult time. Hold on to and cherish all of the fond memories and good times that you've shared, and she will forever be in your heart. Hugs.
I truly appreciate your kind message! I noticed your profile picture features a cute little dog. My friend and I both have a deep affection for dogs—they truly are the best companions! Sadly, my friend’s dog, Jimmy, had to move in with her partner. I wasn’t able to take him in myself since my German Shepherd, Trinity, doesn’t get along with other dogs. Still, both Jimmy and Trinity have provided immense support for all of us during this challenging and emotional time. Best wishes, Sandrine
Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly believe that the primary reason the medical team opted against the surgery was due to my friend's delicate condition; she simply wouldn’t have been able to endure such a major procedure. It makes me feel a deep sadness whenever I read the success stories of transplant patients here in the forum. It’s amazing to witness the advancements in medicine today, allowing so many people to recover and thrive. Unfortunately, by the time my friend was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, it was already quite advanced. I was in Peru at the time, while she was in New Mexico, but she chose to return to Florida for treatment at Mayo Clinic. I was really glad she made that decision, as I’ve always heard that Mayo is one of the best places for cancer care. I’m truly inspired by the incredible individuals in this forum; their strength and resilience are remarkable. Best wishes,
Sandrine
Good morning,
So sorry for your loss. I too lost a friend recently who was waiting for a liver transplant. At the end her complications just took off too quickly and she got too sick too fast. I am a liver transplant survivor, and understand the process. I'd be on the list and then off the list due to my numbers. Eventually I was relisted and then received my organ. The process is very stressful but I honestly think it's way more stressful for the families and friends. As the patient you don't really recognize it, but your family and friends see it. Your friend was very lucky to have had you in her life. I'm sure she is in heaven looking down on you and thanking you for your friendship, love and care. Hold your memories close to your heart and you will see her again some day. 💜💚
I'm so sorry. I lost my best friend Linda six years after her transplant. The liver she received wasn't the best but she was so sick they had no choice but to go ahead with it. She got cancer and it was too late before it was caught. Thankfully she went fast in ten days and didn't suffer long before she entered hospice. It's not something that those of us that have to watch our dearly beloved friends pass ever get over. It's been a year already and I still can't bring myself to delete our chat conversations or her phone number from my contacts. It probably makes it worse but in a way I feel I still have her. We were going to be Thema and Louise and grow old together. I wish upon you all the strength it takes to live through this uncharted situation and I'm sure she wasn't able to express her gratitude for you caregiving, know she loved you. She will be looking over you forever. Hugs to you and her family.
Thank you so so much. You are bringing tears to my eyes… Good tears. I feel the exact same way. My friend was 13 years older than me and since the first time we met, she took on the role of the protective big sister. I know she continues to watch over me. Your story is so inspiring and I am grateful you have shared it with me. I wish you all the best and much happiness. Sandrine