Transplant Delayed!

Oh NO! Just as I finished updating this blog to report that Ray's transplant is in 2 days, we received a phone call from his doctor saying that they have given his slight problem with one of his heart valves not functioning to full capacity, a second review. The team of doctors would feel more comfortable with doing some additional tests to make absolutely sure there won't be any issues with his heart because of the transplant. They decided to postpone the transplant for at least a week & are shooting for NEXT Sunday now (April 28th). So Monday they plan on doing an Echo-cardiogram stress test & maybe some other tests.

I found this upsetting to a degree because just today Ray had his "Central Venous Catheter" inserted into his chest. Very strange to think that this contraption will remain there for a few months. It's approximately 10 inches in length & dangles down his chest. They tell us it's a very good thing because all of his chemo, transfusions, blood draws for labs, etc. will be done through it, instead of all the needles continuously poking him.

But dang, had they decided sooner to postpone the date, he wouldn't have had to have this inserted just yet. Now he'll be dealing with it hanging on his chest longer than he would have.

My other concern now is that Ray's donor may not be available the following week! After all, the donor must make arrangements for time out from his life to do this & then to have the dates changed could create a problem. They tell us they have another donor match if the initial one doesn't work out now because of the date changes. But how realistic is it to expect a possible donor to be willing, ready & available with just a few days notice!?

Oh my, the new concerns running through my head now. What if they find something with Ray's heart & decide that he's not a candidate for a transplant? Do we then pack up & return back home to Indiana? Do we pursue other avenues of treatment? I'm trying to tell myself to STOP worrying about what 'might' or 'might not' happen & just deal with each day as it comes. One day at a time.


Anyhow, for some good news; We recently had visits from both our children (Ray III & Charla) plus ALL 5 of our grandchildren. It was a wonderful time & very special. They felt it important to come see their daddy & grandpa before his hospitalization while he still feels good.

 

We want to thank everyone for all their words of encouragement we've been receiving. 


And so our story continues. Stay tuned right here for more as it happens. As ever, ~Pam~