Oh... WOW!!!
YOU did it!!! Yesterday Mike heard from the donor who had been in testing for months and months that he had received final approval from the Transplant Institute. We've had such a great response that we never doubted we would find the right match but the waiting was a little stressful at times... We really had to put our faith in the amazing people at Beth Israel, that they had selected the right person for the job.
And, how is Mike? He's relieved, he's tired, he's hopeful, he's grateful - even a little stunned!
And what's next? Mike and his nephrologist will check in with each other every few weeks. We are thinking the surgery will happen by the end of this year, but it's very hard to predict - especially with someone as large as Mike! Mike's size throws him right off the standard charts... the approved donor is also part of the conversation as we try to make everything work out the best way for all parties.
The idea is to have the transplant done just before Mike gets to the point of feeling really poorly or as soon as something shows up in his blood work that indicates he is in danger. The new kidney, if it takes well to it's new home, will not last forever, so starting the clock ticking too soon is a waste. Waiting too long puts the outcome in more doubt - the better he feels going into the operation the stronger he will be coming out of it and the better the odds of a smooth recovery. You can see how it's a tricky decision to make, but we have confidence that when the decision is made, the donor will be there.
We know, all too well, things can change unexpectedly, but we can now rest easy for a bit, knowing that we have done all we can to hold on to that chance for Mike to have the best possible outcome - including having a host of people on our side and maybe even ready to help us if we have to try again. And I know of at least one person who finally signed up as an organ donor :)
Gratefully, Samantha (AND MIKE!!!)