Transplant and cancer...

[melobelle]

I met with the UCSF transplant coordinator, Dr. from transplant team and team social worker. After going over my application to be on the transplant list, I was informed that I had to be cancer free for 5 years in order to get a transplant. I had melanoma (which was all removed) six months ago. I was greatly disappointed to find out that I will be on dialysis five more yrs. even if I have a 100% matched kidney available to me. UGH! I guess rules are rules. The explanation is, the anti-rejection meds. taken after a transplant can cause cancer. Melanoma cancer primarily. (as explained by the Doctor) The good news is I will still be on the transplant list and continue to move up on the list . The bad news is if a kidney is available within the next five years, they will pass on me as a recipient.   


   





EDITED:Fixed smiley tag error-kitkatz,Moderator

[MooseMom]

The incidence of melanoma in transplant patients is so high that some transplant centers have their own dermatology department, so I am not surprised by what your coordinator told you.  Still, I can so understand your disappointment.  I'm trying to get on the transplant list myself; I'm not on dialysis yet, but it is just a matter of time, and if I were told that I couldn't have a transplant for 5 years, I'd be devastated.  I know their reasoning is sound, but it is still hard to take.  Maybe their rules will change over time...one can only hope.  I'm so sorry you had to hear this news, but we are all here to support you.

[monrein]

That is hard news to hear for sure but I know that 5 years is the required cancer free time required.  My Mum died of melanoma at 46 (no kidney disease) and I see a dermatologist pretty much every year to get rid of little growths and check everything out.  I'm also super careful about the sun...I really avoid it and wear high level sunscreen every day both in winter and in summer.  I wear a hat and long sleeves and gloves when I garden and I avoid the hottest time of the day.  Even when I canoe (used to do a lot of white water trips) I wear long sleeves, hat and paddling gloves.

I'm glad that you get to start accumulating time on the list but I certainly understand how hard it would be to accept five years on D.