My Mom's Transplant Journey is just beginning

[Beth36]

Well, we got the best news ever on Friday!  My sister, who was also testing along with my hubby and myself to donate to my mom got her numbers!  We're doing a positive crossmatch transplant with Mayo Clinic and my numbers were the highest, my hubby's weren't much better but my sisters were 200 points lower!  Her T-cells were 191 and her B-cells were 223!  So, my mom will only need plasmapheresis after her transplant instead of before and after, like we thought.  So, in November, my sister will be evaluated while my mom meets with Dr. Gloor.  Hopefully after my mom's last Hep B shot in December, we'll know for sure when her transplant will take place.  We are so very excited and so happy we can help our mom!  I don't have too much to post on the topic at the moment but I will once I know more info.  I truly hope our upcoming experience will help others facing high PRA and once I know more, I will let all know!


Beth

[Sluff]

Great News!!    Please keep us posted.

[Beth36]

Thanks!  I will post as soon as we get news.  It's been a long and stressful journey and we shared LOTS of happy tears on Friday when my sister called with the news.  Also had a few  and  that night and cooked on the grill in celebration!  I just can't wait to see my mom healthier again.  She was walking on air all day Friday and that made me so very happy!  Words can't express...


Beth

[goofynina]

Awww Beth, i can just imagine how happy you are, that is so awesome of all of you to pull together for your mom as you did (even your hubby) Please give him crazy kudo's for me, not very many men would do that for their in'laws, especially their mom-in-law,   but i am glad to see your hubby did,     Please do keep us posted and please let your mom know we are sending good thoughts and prayers her way

[Beth36]

Thank you, I will....all the ladies in our little corner of the neighborhood get together with your kids in the afternoons and we were talking about my mom.  They ALL freaked out when I said my hubby was testing as well....he has gotten quite the big head these days but I know how to reel him in....


Beth

[Joe Paul]

Thats just AW SOME!!! Cant wait to hear more good news 

[Roxy]

That's wonderful news!! 

[paris]

Great news Beth.   

[Romona]

 
best Wishes!

[Ohio Buckeye]

Great news Beth!
Best wishes to the family.

[Jill D.]

So happy to hear the news!  Big hugs to all of you for what you are doing for your mom. 

[paddbear0000]

 

[Beth36]

Thanks, everybody!  My mom's spirits have picked up 10000000% since we got the news but she's still nervous...I mean, duh she's having serious surgery and so is her daughter BUT we are so happy to be able to help her.  After all, she's our MOM!  I'd do it for my dad in a heartbeat, so I don't want him to feel left out but your MOM is your MOM, ya know?  Anyway, I can't wait to see how cold it is in Minnesota this winter...eeeeeek!  I have a feeling it will be a shock to my southern parents and my sister (who lives in FL) but at least they will be able to see snow.  All of your stories here and on the other parts of this site have been an inspiration to me.  Even the sadder stories because it has made me help make people more aware of the need for organ donors.  I have been known to really bend an ear when I get the chance....thanks a lot and your wisdom and support have been and always will be appreciated! 

Beth

[Jill D.]

Beth - I highly suggest checking out the Gift of Life Transplant House for your mom and your sister when you go out for the evaluation...especially your mom since she will be in Rochester at least 4 weeks, maybe even 6 weeks when she has the surgery. It is an awesome place - waaaaay better than staying in a hotel. You can find their link through the Mayo website.

[Beth36]

Thanks, Jill!  Actually, we checked it out a while back and thought it was very quaint.  Did you ever stay at the Residence Inn?  The one connected to the hospital?  I liked that because they had a free grocery service....I didn't check the rates but I'm sure they have some sort of deal for patients, since it's right there?  My mom is really looking forward to going up there to meet the doctor and hopefully the coordinators, everybody there is so so so so nice.  I want to send them a thank you note because the last hospital was yuck.


Beth

[paris]

Beth, I am overjoyed for you family.  I have been trying for over 2 years and I know someday the timing will be right.  Some days it is hard to be patient. So, I will look forward to walking every step with you as this wonderful adventure unfolds.   Best wishes to all of you.

[Jill D.]

Thanks, Jill!  Actually, we checked it out a while back and thought it was very quaint.  Did you ever stay at the Residence Inn?  The one connected to the hospital?  I liked that because they had a free grocery service....I didn't check the rates but I'm sure they have some sort of deal for patients, since it's right there?  My mom is really looking forward to going up there to meet the doctor and hopefully the coordinators, everybody there is so so so so nice.  I want to send them a thank you note because the last hospital was yuck.


Beth

I never stayed at the Residence Inn, however all of the hotels have clinic patient rates, but expect to pay $2000 - $3000 a month for lodging. The newer ones are the most expensive; the old hotels are much cheaper but have a musty odor which I think would be very bad for your mom post-transplant if there is mold or bacteria present. Gift of Life charges $25.00 a day, and things are kept super clean because of transplant patients' suppressed immune systems (there are many guests who are going through stem cell transplants so they literally have no immune system while they are going through the chemo portion of their treatment). They also have a shuttle that runs every 30 minutes to the clinic (it is only 3 blocks to the clinic, so I often walked) and the shuttle also runs to the stores. They have 3 fully stocked kitchens (you buy your own food) so you don't have to eat out all of the time (which also gets old...and expensive!) or have to make do with a small kitchette setup. Kind of like IHD, we found it to be a great source of support, especially for the caregiver. A hotel room gets VERY small after a week or so!

[Beth36]

Jill--that is good to know!  I'll relay that info to my mom and dad.  I hate hotels!  And I hate stinky ones even worse....the mere thought of a musty room makes me want to hurl!  Thanks for the info!!!


Beth

[Beth36]

Paris--I know it's so hard to be patient!  That is something I will never have, patience....I am praying that you will get your transplant soon and I will be there for you, when the time comes!   

Beth

[okarol]

  Wonderful news Beth -- I hope everything works out beautifully!