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Liver transplant - Let's support each other
Transplants | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (1606)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for keeping tabs on everyone Rosemary. I do think about these people and wonder how they are.
As for me I had a CT today to track the liver tumors. Praying all is still well, for almost a year now (since my 2nd Y90 shoot) they appear dead on the scans and no new ones popping up. I have liver labs on Thursday (CBC, MELD Score, AFP tumor marker). So far they are not recommending transplant saying they would do more harm than good. In fact I'd like to put this question out to the group. I'm a little worried because I turn 70 in August and at 70 you kind of age out. My liver enzymes are real normal, MELD score it 7, have small varices but no bleeds, ascites well controlled with meds. I could qualify for transplant because of the cirrhosis and cancer. But with all that said I would have to go for transplant now or never because of the age thing. Could it all go bad at next year. I kind of operate with the opinion as long as I don't do anything to further damage my liver it will all stay the same. I was able to clear the HEP C that caused the damage and quit what little drinking I was doing. Just wonder ... hum.
What regular labs are you having taken Rosemary and how often do you get them. Please let us know your results. Do you ever get over the frustration of testing then waiting on results? There's always a bit of fear waiting for the results. I do know my condition is in God's hands and do believe if faith, not fear and that helps.
Thanks again for checking in on everyone! You're so kind hearted.
Diane
Replies to "Thanks for keeping tabs on everyone Rosemary. I do think about these people and wonder how..."
Hello Diane,
I am in a similar situation. My MELD score is 8 and I being monitored for tumor growth although I have not yet had any treatment as my tumor is 2mm from qualifying me for transplant. I go for my MRI again next month and don’t know if it will be time to decide on some kind of treatment. I am also in my late 60’s and wonder about aging out. It is kind of nerve wracking to be constantly wondering what is next. I have shifted my focus to appreciating each day and I am so thankful for feeling reasonably well especially after reading what so many others are dealing with. I am glad to know you are going through a similar stage and feeling the same about aging out.
Susan
To all of you potential liver transplants who are talking about aging out: Good news! Stop worrying about aging out. I am 3+ years-post-liver transplant and when I first arrived at Mayo I, too, was of the belief that at 73 I was close to being too old to be considered as a good candidate for transplant. I also was worried that if I got a liver, that I might deprive a younger person awaiting a liver who might have longer to live after transplant and perhaps young children to raise. The Transplant Team in Jacksonville dispelled that fear. Basically they said, "That's not the way this works." The important factors in a patient's eligibility are physical condition and a lack of medical problems of such a serious nature that they would preclude a successful transplant. Post transplant, while I was recuperating at Gabriel House, I met at least one liver patient awaiting transplant who was over 80 at that time and who eventually got his new liver and did well. Perhaps this is a Mayo standard, but I don't think that the organizations who govern transplant selections are discriminating on the basis of age.
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@digibson, I really enjoy spending time with you and with everyone on Connect. Where else can anyone be so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people to share medical experiences and support each other!
I hope the CT produced some good information. Waiting for results is pure misery!
My labs are every 3 months. CBC (complete blood count), C-Pan (complete metabolic panel, and a 3rd vial for my antirejection med (Tacrolimus) level. During my annual review at Mayo, there are many more. I had them drawn on Monday and I am happy with them. They have been sent to Mayo for my records and for any medicine adjustments.
Diane, I don't stress over labs anymore (13 years). And there is always a bit of uncertainty waiting for test results. I'm sending prayers. My laptop battery is dying, so gotta go. I'll be waiting to near about the results.