We spent most of today at UCSF going through an intense educational session related to the kidney transplant process.  We learned that there at 77,000 people in the U.S. awaiting kidney transplants, and the minimum waiting period is 7 years for Irene’s blood type … unless there is a family member or friend that donates the kidney.

We also learned the many inherent risks and side effects associated with kidney transplant:

• New kidney rejection
• Immunosuppressive Medications to prevent and treat rejection
• Bleeding
• Increased cancer risk (skin cancers, lymphoma, PTLD)

There was a very interesting comment made by Dr. Wojciechowski in the examination room.  He said that he had been reviewing Irene’s chart before entering the room and told his medical team that based upon Irene’s records, all that she has gone through and what the process may entail, he was biased and came into the examination room thinking that he was going to recommend against going forward with the transplant.  After meeting Irene, however, he changed his mind based upon the following:

• Age
• Demeanor and strong will to live
• Current health status, despite the chronic nausea and fatigue

There are two donor options:

• The Living Donor (family members or friends)
• Cadaver Kidney Transplant (brain death)

A prospective donor for Irene must be at least 18 years old, in excellent physical health, with blood type “O”.

If anyone is interested in learning how to donate their kidney to Irene, please contact us and we’ll start the process.

We’ll see what the future holds … and thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave