So, after all of the waiting and hoping, we finally got our 2nd crossmatch results today, and we are still compatible (my recipient developed another antibody that the immunologist wanted to screen more carefully) and we are going ahead with surgery on the 23rd - this Tuesday.
This has truly been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had the priviledge of being a part of. When I explain it to people, the analogy I give is, it's like helping a stranger that is in need- helping a lady carry her groceries, holding the door for someone in the rain, or volunteering your time, only times a thousand. I'm elated that I can help my recipient in such a huge way. Of course, I am feeling a million different emotions right now. I'm nervous, anxious, happy, proud, humbled, and in awe of it all. I feel like I am the lucky one, because I get the pleasure of giving such an amazing gift.
This message board has been so kind and informative - it was really helpful in a lot of ways throughout the first phase of this process, and I have no doubt there will be kind words for our recovery process as well! A couple of people have suggested keeping a diary, but we already do that here - with lots of positive feedback.
I've read several new posts from people that are still trying to decide if donation is something they can do, so I thought I would share the point when I was able to make that decision. I got to thinking about what donation is all about - doing something selfless so that someone else can have the benefit. I've always liked to volunteer my time for things I believe in. Many people give their time or money to great organizations and people, but how often is it that you are presented with an opportunity to change someone's life for the better in such a tangible way? The point when I made the decision (after lots and lots and lots of research. Then some more research. Then some thinking. Then some more research) was when I realized that I was willing to take the risks that come with donation in exchange for being part of something much bigger than myself. Not many people are presented with an opportunity to do so much good for someone who is suffering, and some people can't donate for health and other various reasons (it's okay if donation is just not for you - it's a lifelong decision for you!). I realized that, in 20 years, I wanted to know that I did the best I could to help someone that needed it. I knew that we were blood type compatible, and I had done my homework (the more you understand about the process, the easier it will be to know if donation is right for you) so I put the rest in God's hands and started the screening process.
To everyone just starting the process - good luck on your journey. Educate yourself before you ask yourself if you can really do this - it will make that question a lot easier to answer.
To everyone who has been through it - thank you for all of your kind words and all of your experiences! Seeing the good and the trying experiences helped me see the big picture. It was more comforting to read real experiences from living donors than anything the transplant team said. Please keep sharing!
Topic: Surgery on April 23rd (Read 6342 times)