okay, so we went to Seattle for the Evaluation

[breezysummerday]

1)  Seattle is much more populated then my small town
2)  thank goodness for GPS
3)  need to raise money mostly for my support as a caretaker  (a requirement) during transplantation
     (housing, food...like having a second mortgage)
4)  record breaking temps make me wanna .......wish I was back home.....however the change of
     scenery and dealing with people was exhilarating.
5)  oh yeah, ray passed the evaluation with flying colors!!!

[Romona]

Wonderful that Ray passed. 

[willowtreewren]

Yay!

Now waiting for more good news. 

[Wallyz]

Ack! Next time you come to Seattle, PM so we can meet up.  What center are you guys working with?

[breezysummerday]

Will keep you in mind Wallyz.
Working with Virginia Mason.

[okarol]

What is the average wait time in Seattle?

[Wallyz]

Shorter than the national average. I am an A blood type, And I had an SKP offer two months after being listed (At Virginia Mason)  Six months in now, and I am getting offers, but the team is rejecting because the pancreases are bad.

   

Transplant rate among waitlist patients   0.28   0.19   Statistically Higher (b)      03,04,05,06
Transplant rate (from deceased donors) among waitlist patients   0.20   0.13   Statistically Higher (b)      03,04,05,06
    Mortality rate while on waitlist   0.05   0.07   Not Significantly Different (a)       03,04

So instead of an average 5 year wait (.19/annum transplant rate) it was  a 3 1/2 year wait(.28/annum rate)

[breezysummerday]

Ray was told a 3 to 4 year wait.  He is O pos.  Ray has 3 sisters that want to test!
(so, maybe sooner then later?  I know, don't hold my breath)
We also got information on how to incorporate ones self so that monetary donations are tax deductible.
It's going to be approximately 200 grand just for the transplant.  However, aftercare is just as an important
factor since we are out of state (alaska, a 3 hour plane ride to seattle).  Housing and nourishment for an estimated
6 weeks after transplantation for 2 people, aye yi yi !! Plus, I need a car.

When the coordinator was discussing with Ray about 'extended criteria transplant', we agreed that 'fresher' is
better.  Kind of a given, actually.  But my reason for bringing this up is that my private thoughts zoomed to one
of Kitkatz's post about 'finding' a small boy with his right kidney outlined on his body.  Reflective of my totally crass
sense of humor fer sure..but I made the coordinater laugh after being so serious about everything and trying to
'suss' us out. 

In the end, I would never have known how to deal with renal failure without this website and all persons that have
shared their story......thank you each and everyone for sharing.  Admins share the same vision as Epoman obviously.

hoping I am in your positive thoughts............ray and deborah 

 

[kellyt]

Both you and Ray are in my thoughts.  I didn't find recovery to be too difficult.  My husband didn't stay home with me like we thought he might do.  Once I was home and in my comfty reclyner with my drink and snacks (unsalted, raw almonds) I was great.  Walking was slow and hunched over, but I was able to get around quite nicely.  Hopefully Ray will have the same experience and you all can get home to Alaska quickly.   

[paris]

Breezy,  Everything sounds like it is going well.  It also seems like you were very prepared for the meetings.   The money is always a concern, and it shouldn't be.  There is enough stress already!  Let us know when the sisters start the testing.  We'll be praying for a good match and an easy road for all of you.   This is exciting!!     

[breezysummerday]