I received my transplant in April 2009. It was a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant meaning 1 surgery, 1 donor, 2 organs. I had Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) liver disease that advanced to endstage liver failure and placed me on the list for a liver transplant in Kentucky. I was in late stage liver failure when there were signs of cholangiocarcinoma (cancer in bile ducts) so, I was referred to Mayo Rochester. Unfortunately, I missed my appointment because acute kidney failure placed me in ICU in late Feb. where I was placed on emergency dialysis (neck port) to keep me alive. After 5 days I was flown to Mayo Rochester and spent 2 weeks in the hospital with inpatient dialysis. I was released and had out patient dialysis until my transplant in April. My husband and I stayed in Rochester at Gift of Life House. So, yes, it was quite a journey for us. The good part is that when I got my new organs, they began to work immediately.
I am sorry for the long story, but that is what it was for me. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that Mayo is a terrific place for treatment. My husband and I return there annually for my checkup.

I am intertested to know what you learn about the stem cell treatment after your discussion. Are you talking to someone at Mayo?