Happy New Year

The last of the partygoers just left the house....

I never would have imagined a party like this tonight. Just wait. I have pictures. But for now, I MUST go to bed.

Status

Oh 2009 where are you??

#4 in Fort Worth

#5 in Dallas

Nope, not a typo.

Cool Story

So I've actually met a lot of new friends through this blog. It's been very, very cool. Most of them have stumbled on this blog just like I have done to other blogs (the late night googling sessions for "liver blogs"). It's been really great to know that there are other individuals out there in similiar situations. A lot of them have helped me when I was feeling very discouraged.

One gal in particular contacted me through the blog when Geoff and I were in Seattle. Her name is Kristina. Oh, and don't worry she totally gave me permission to talk about her as long as I didn't mention how drunk she got the first time we met. Totally kidding.

Anyhow, she was recently diagnosed with PSC and found my blog. One of the cool things about this whole story is that she lives in Dallas and has 2 young kids. So, we e-mailed a couple of times and decided that we should totally get together for dinner.

We met last week and it was an absolute blast! I kind of felt like I was going on a blind date...with a girl. I was nervous. I even called a friend of mine and said "okay, if I disappear I was last seen at Mi Cocina". The really cool part about this entire thing is that we had so much in common, so there was no need to worry that she might try and kidnap me.

• She's 5'10-me too!
• Her daugther's name is Ava-me too!
• She had a super cute outfit on-me too!
• She loves Nordstrom Rack-me too!
• She had the exact same necklace on that I got for Christmas! Weird!

I know this is all completely useless information to all of you, but remember this was a complete stranger up until a week ago.

Most importantly though, I hope that I was able to share with her that there is life after transplant (not that I've had one or anything...but you get the point) and if you have a great support system you can get through anything.

Reflection Part #1

Just go with it.

2008 was a fun/shitty/happy/exciting/trying/overwhelming year.

The last couple of days all I could think about is how much 2008 sucked. AND then it dawned on me....HELLO I had Conner in 2008. So then the guilt really set in. How could it be such an awful year when I had that sweet, sweet boy (the whole birth part wasn't sweet-sweet but you get the point).

Remember this?

Back to my reflection.

So, 2008 was not a bad year (entirely). We were blessed with a miracle and now were just waiting on another. There's not like a 1-miracle-per-family maximum, right? Or maybe it's like a flex-spending account where it just starts all over the next year? Either way, we were blessed this year.

Besides the birth of Conner being a huge highlight we also survived another year with mini-me (aka Ava). This year more than ever Geoff and I realized how much she is like me. Yikes. This girl will have no problem holding her own in Kindergarten. I have to say, I'm pretty proud.

And now...this is the girl who will be teaching your daughter how to sneak of the house out at night.

That's enough reflection for now. I'll be back.

Merry Christmas Y'all

Church last night with the Clarks!
The "before"

Very, very in to it.

The "after"


I totally gave up on the wrapping and just started putting bows on everything. I even resorted to wrapping Geoff's gifts in one big J Crew bag.

Conner was up first!

The calm before the storm.

This was me following Ava around going "do you like it, do you like it"? I wanted HUGE reactions...

Inspecting the leftover reindeer food. Yes, I know, my outfit is super hot.

The $10 Hannah Montana make-up set which turned out to be the biggest hit!

Still not overwhelmed....

Conner LOVED his stuff. Geoff was excited to get some boy toys in the house.

And here's Grandma!

I've declared a winner

Whether I like it or not, 2009 is only a mere 8 days away. Wow.

Now, about the winner part. This was a recent submission for the liver naming game. It's definitely a winner in my books. Big thanks to Erik S.

We'll be making bile in a little while

The journey continues 09'

.

Status

#3 in Fort Worth
#4 in Dallas

It's the holidays. No sense in getting mad. I think about the families who will lose someone this holiday season. The true meaning of an organ donor becomes a scary reality.

And now you can officially call me...Debbie Downer.

Tagged

I have been tagged by Lisa to post the 4th picture in the 4th file of my digital photo storage.

You've got to be kidding me.

Anyone who knows me KNOWS I will only post good pictures of myself. Why would I want you to picture me any other way? My secret is out.

This picture was taken by Geoff one morning when he thought it would be funny to have the kids and the dog wake me up. Somehow I'm not laughing right now.

I've tagged Lori, Holly, and Jaime.

It's time to party

Our week of parties start tonight:

Wednesday: Geoff's work party. I'll get the let's-not-have-too-much-to-drink-in-front-of-my-boss talk before we go. I'll nod my head and then go about my merry way. I promise it won't be like the year I accidently tried to break in to the valet guy's car.

Thursday: My work Christmas party. I'll behave there.

Friday: 3rd or 4th Annual (?) Christmas Lights Dinner with the Bettencourts. The first year the girls were just 5 months old and the guys drove us to a bar after dinner. We ran inside, did a shot of tequila, and ran back out to the car. It's not like we were going to take our babies in the bar with us.

Saturday: My 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange with the neighborood gals. This ain't your momma's cookie exchange. This year were all fired up because last year half the party was pregnant.....and that spells b-o-r-i-n-g.

Museltov!

Status

#2 in Fort Worth
#3 in Dallas

Just a little more of the same. Not bitter, at all. Actually, I am counting my blessings today.

Croup, croup, and some more croup

I thought croup only existed in the 1920's?

I have two barking seals also known as Ava and Conner. Geoff is walking around the house with a hospital mask on like we are on the brink of a SARS epidemic and I am praying that I don't get sick because I have 3 Christmas parties this week (that I would like to drink at).

Dammit.

We are home

Hip-hip-hooray!

Back to reality.

I found you

We paged the doctor this morning. Here is what she said:

• Yes, they would accept his case
• They do not think the board will grant additional points
• They are going to write of letter of inquiry to the review board just to make sure
• If the letter fails, we are still going to get listed here with the MELD of 14 just to have a back-up
• After looking at his liver yesterday they do feel that a re-transplant is necessary (his upper bile ducts are deteriorating significantly, BUT his tube has done an excellent job of keeping the blood flow going).

That's it. We are headed to the airport in 30 minutes. So long Seattle-maybe we'll see you soon.

Doctors didn't call...I am hunting them down tomorrow

Is that you McSteamy?

Oh, sorry....nevermind, it's another woman doctor.

I am feeling very Seattle-ish as I sit here at UW with my huge cup of coffee, my tucked-in jeans with boots (EVERYONE is doing it here) all while I blog to you guys.

Geoff's procedure was scheduled @ 8:00AM and it looks as though he was taken in on-time. So far, so good. This day should bring a lot of answers. At first we were discouraged, but now we are looking at it in a different light (with the help of some friends). A couple of things:

• At least we can check the box on this one. No regrets.


• We will get a second opinion. Nothing wrong with that. Looking back maybe it was something we should have done anyways.


• Our thoughts this morning: maybe it's not a bad thing to get listed her regardless of the low MELD. What happens if Geoff's "natural" MELD shoots up to a 19 in the next two months and he still hasn't been transplanted in Dallas? At least our bases will be covered and UW could still come through.


• The flip-side to that thought: maybe this is all God's way of telling us to go back home because there is a better plan for us in Dallas.

Your thoughts?

Committee is @ 12:30PM...it usually goes for a couple of hours. Should hear something in the afternoon. If not, I will come find them.

Hello, Hello

Big thanks to Lori! We weren't around the computer all day-she was so kind to update for me.

Well.....the day was an interesting one.

We got to the hospital bright and early. FYI-still freakin cold here. We pretty much met with a set of doctors for an 1 1/2 hours or so. We went through Geoff's past, present, and future (medically speaking). They were all really great (and ALL women...interesting, huh?).

The main concern is that Geoff's MELD would not be a 20 in this region therefore not making him anywhere near the top of the list (like we had hoped). His MELD would most likely be a 14 here, which is pretty much non-existent in the transplant world. It's not for sure, but they wanted to be honest with us. Remember, Geoff is an automatic 20 MELD in Dallas because of his biliary tube. We thought that was a standard throughout the country-apparently not.

Next steps: tomorrow morning Geoff is going in for a procedure to get a good look at his liver/bile ducts. We pushed for this because at the very least we would like a second opinion. Secondly, tomorrow @ 12:30PM they will be presenting his case to the committee @ UW to see if they will agree to take on his case (which they said that was pretty much a given) BUT to also get the doctors feelings on how the "all mighty regional committee" will feel about granting the additional points for his tube.

They are going to call us tomorrow afternoon and give us the results from all. Keep your fingers crossed.

Much love. We miss Dallas.

Reporting Live From McKinney.....

Hey, it's Lori B...Geoff and Erin's friend from across the neighborhood. She asked me to update her blog as they are out and about and not near a computer! (hopefully they are shopping!!)

Anyway, this is the text she sent me to update all of you fellow blog stalkers:

"Seattle is still a crap shoot...Geoff probably would not be the same meld score here therefore it probably would not be worth it to list him here. BUT is case is going to presented to committee tomorrow and they are going to look closely at his liver to give us a second opinion."

They are disappointed but hopeful that tomorrow will answer some more questions for them....as to how sick his liver is at this point, etc.

As I know you all do, please pray for them tonight and throughout the day tomorrow. For answers, for good news and for the Lord to surround them with his love.

Until next time,

Lori B

How's this for irony?

Usually Monday morning we ask for a status update in Dallas to hear where Geoff is at on the list. This week we didn't ask, but I always check www.unos.org for the regional stats.

Here comes the irony.

Last week there were 7 people in FW with Geoff's blood type waiting for a liver (he was in the #2 spot) and there were 9 people in Dallas with Geoff's blood type (he was in the #3 spot). And just for pure torture I like to look up UW. There was 1 person in Geoff's blood group.

This week there are 9 people waiting in FW and 10 waiting in Dallas. Ready? There are ZERO people waiting at UW in Geoff's blood category.

Off to get some great Seattle coffee and head to the hospital.

Transplant? Huh?

That's why were here?

Um...did some forget to remind me that I was going to be RIGHT next to the flagship Nordstrom store? And if that's not good enough how about right down the street from the 4-story Nordstrom Rack? H-E-A-V-E-N

Geoff and I did a ton of walking. I told him he needed to prepare his body for the evaluations tomorrow, especially if he was going to see a cardiologist.

When did Seattle get so cold?

I swear it's the lighting....were not that yellow.We are here and it's cold. I'm not complaining. Conner has croup. I'm not complaining, but how's that for timing? Dallas seems so far from here. I think I already miss it.

Some observations so far:

• Lots of trees! Who said that there was a shortage?


• Lots of skinny people


• A little grunge...or I've really become a little "Dallas". I'm hope my big silver earrings aren't too much with my huge red purse?
  
• Hills!!! Can't wait to start walking...Geoff is cringing.

Bags are packed

Well, not really, but it is on my to-do list for today.

We leave bright and early tomorrow morning for Seattle. I'm anxious about leaving the kids for so long. Conner is still so young.

And now for my Oscar acceptance speech....

This trip would not be possible without the help of so many people. It wasn't as simple as just booking a flight and hotel, so thank-you from the bottom of our hearts to Lori, Kim, Colin, Rhonda, ALL my moms in the neighborhood who have offered help, Tim, Brad and Linda, my mom, Lee and the Pro Pac family, my work, my online liver supporter friends, and Kendall Jackson.

Sometimes it seems like such a blur...to think we are flying to Washington for the possibility of finding a liver. Other times I think no big deal-just another bump in the road. I feel so grateful for all of the support we receive. It's never-ending. People really care.

I will be updating as much as possible ESPECIALLY if I see McDreamy or McSteamy.

LC

Liver clinic, not Lauren Conrad (for anyone that watches The Hills).

It went well today. Geoff's numbers were stable-kidneys a little elevated, but nothing out of the "norm". The doctor commented on Geoff going to Seattle. It was a blessing of sorts. He said that UW is a great program. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

My grandma (GiGi to Ava and Conner) is coming into town today from California. We are all very excited. Welcome, GiGi!

Yay for Friday.

You should build your butt muscles

Me: Huh?

Geoff: I'm just sayin

Me: Huh?

Geoff: I just thought you had more.

Me: Huh?

Geoff: Hahahaha (nervous laughter).

Me: Are you mental?

Geoff: I was uh just uh saying...um that I thought....you know?

Me: Um, I don't know and you are an idiot.

Just a normal Tuesday night discussion. I think this falls into the category of a dust buster for Christmas and when he bought me a scale when I was 5 weeks pregnant (because he thought for sure that I would want to keep track of my weight gain).

Happy Wednesday!

This just in

#2 at Fort Worth

#3 at Dallas

Deja Vu anyone?

We haven't received the final "blessing" but the transplant coordinator (in Dallas) feels that the doctors will say GO to Seattle for the appt. She is forwarding an e-mail that Geoff wrote this morning to them. If need be someone will loan us their private jet, right?

Leavin' on a jet plane

Big news!

UW called on Wed. night and said that they had secured us "an urgent" slot. We have an appt. The appt. is set for Dec. 9th @ 7:45AM. It is an all day appt. We booked our tickets this weekend.

Potential Problem #1-of course we are sooooo close here in Dallas. There is a chance that Geoff could be called for a transplant here and then we would be in Seattle of all places. How much would that suck? So, were going to get a hold of the transplant team here in Dallas (hopefully tomorrow) and get their "advice", but we had to book our flights considering it's only 10 days away.

Were not freaking out. Were excited. We need to feel like there is progress in all areas in order to remain sane, but there are the typical worries: work, kids, dogs, and the unknowns.

Wish us luck! And, if you're in Washington, let's meet up!

Did you say sale???

A few of you have asked how my day went today.....

It's 11:41AM the day after Thanksgiving and I just got home from my Black Friday shopping extravanganza. I officially shopped for 12 hours, which included a "nap" from 2:30AM-4:30AM. This is how it began....

10:42PM-Geoff and I (yes, Geoff) picked up my friends Lori, Kim, and Colleen to head to our local outlet malls.
11:10PM-arrived at Allen Outlets
2:15AM-left Allen Outlets after shopping (aka pushing/shoving crazy moms) at Gymboree, Banana Republic, Gap, and Gap Kids.
2:30AM-went to sleep
4:30AM-alarm goes off
5:00AM-arrive at Wal-Mart with my mom (C-R-A-Z-Y-not mom, but Wal-Mart)
5:36AM-leave Wal-Mart and head to Target
5:49AM-arrive at Target and wait in line for doors to open
6:00AM-Doors open and I am RUNNING with my friend, Lori (shopping partner for the last three years) to the toy dept. while my mom and Lori's mom run to the electronic dept.
6:45AM-head to Starbucks
7:01-arrive at mall heading directly to the Disney Store
10:44AM-leave mall (shopped at Gymboree, Libby Lu, Macy's, etc. etc.)
11:00AM-arrive home

So, what did I buy? I believe I got FABULOUS deals:

Banana Republic Jeans (women) $30
Banana Sweater (women) $26
Banana Cords (men) $22
Banana Sweater (men) $18.50
Banana boxers (men) $5.00
Gymboree pajamas 5 pairs @ $5.99 each
Gymboree hat (boy) $4.50
Gymboree outfit (boy) $11.99
Gymboree dress $12.00
Gymboree fleece jacket and pant both for $15.00
Gymboree shoes (boy) $9.88
Fisher-Price Walk-n-go $10
Hannah Montana Make-up kit $10
Barbie $5
Crayola Art Set $8
Sleep Beauty DVD $11.88
101 Dalmations DVD $11.88
Enchanted DVD $11.88
Happy Feet $3.98
Madagascar $5.98
Leapster game Pet Pals $15
Playdoh Kit $8
Baby Cinderella Doll $7.99

I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN! I was able to get everything I wanted, but most importantly, I really feel like I saved a lot of $$$. Do you hear that Geoff?

Who's going with me next year?

I'm famous

Well, not really, BUT I did have my first guest post on another blog.

I "met" Dawn when I became an avid blog stalker. I was googling "liver transplants blogs" and stumbled upon Carl and Dawn. They have been such a huge support for our family, always there to cheer us along.

Anyhow, Dawn is a freelance journalist in her "real" life. She started a blog, 71 Days of Christmas to chronicle her journey through the holiday season. When she started this blog she asked me if I would be interested in doing a guest post. I was thrilled to help contribute! So, enjoy!

I am thankful for...

In no particular order.

1. Nordstrom Rack
2. babysitters
3. family
4. friends
5. wine
6. family
7. friends
8. family
9. friends
10. blogs
11. Ava
12. Conner
13. the gym
14. Target
15. Geoff (like I said, in no particular order)
16. jobs
17. jobs
18. jobs
19. allrecipes.com
20. good haircut/hi-lights
21. clearance racks
22. my mom's group
23. my house
24. candles
25. long distance friends
26. coupons
27. doctors
28. pedicures
29. nurses
30. my Dyson vacuum
31. my health
32. fiber one bars
33. Ava and Conner's health
34. my marriage
35. TV

Bumped

Someone with a MELD score of 21 bumped Geoff to the #2 spot. It's fine. Fine. Fine. Fine. I'm sure most of you are sick of checking this blog for updates anyhow. Off to call UW to do my weekly check-in there.

Never would have thought...

Don't send hate mail. I just thought it was extremely interesting.

Deadliest Holidays

I'll find you....

I got a hold of the transplant coordinator's e-mail address. Geoff's been holding out on me-for good reason, I'm sure.

I e-mailed her. Yesterday. At 5:45AM. Just casually asking her why IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND NO CALL. I promise, I was very polite about the whole thing.

She e-mailed me back immediately assuring me that this was "very, very typical". Also reminding me that although Geoff is #1 at Fort Worth there are still other #1s at the other transplant hospitals in the region.

She's on my radar now, and I SO appreciate her.

My Turkey

Conner was at his "nanny's" house yesterday while I was at work (we love you Kim) and she sent me this picture.

And.....he is still #1

Keep the good vibes coming!

Moving on...

I know it's not the most appropiate moment, but remember a few days back when we were coming up with some possible slogans for 09'? Well, here are a few of the entries:

• Feelin fine in 09'
• LiverTime 09'
• Liver's Mine in 09'
• LiverFind 09'
• Celebrate the Good Times-A liver for Geoff in 09'
• LiverLine 09'-no cutting in line bleep bleep bleep (nice one Rhonda)

On the UW front...I will be calling today to follow-up but we received word on Friday that all paperwork had been received (I can't remember if I posted that or not).

Nothing

Still #1.........

Everyone breathe with me. Big deep breathe in (hold it)................and now let it out. AHHHHHH. Feel better?

Status?

We are going to try and get a status update today...is he still #1?

Apparently you didn't get my voicemail

Don't worry, I'm not discouraged. Tomorrow we are going to church (settle down friends-I know you are stunned and can barely speak right now).

I'll look for you when I'm there. I'll be the one nervously looking around wondering how many people are going to try and shake my hand. That's okay though, I (we) am ready to embrace it.

I hope you're not busy though because we really need to talk. Oh, and I hope you don't mind if we leave our cell phones on...were expecting a call.

Hello, God? Are you there?

Geoff is #1 at Fort Worth....................

Dear God, if you're around today I would appreciate it if you could give me a call. I realize that you're busy-were all busy, but this is IMPORTANT. If I had a cardiologist, he would tell me that my heart cannot. take. this. ANYMORE. I'm pretty sure I don't need to go into the details about how my husband's heart can't take it anymore as well. Or, I could call you. I'll leave a voicemail. It would sound really pathetic, possibly panicky, and I would talk real fast. So, if you're out stalking the blogs today please know that I really need you to make this work. Amen.

Liver Boy went to liver clinic

Geoff had clinic today and the doctors said he looked great! Heathly as a horse (or something like that).

This is when we would want the transplant to happen......

They did a transplant last night-someone with a MELD of 24 or 25....the coordinator was going to check and see if that would affect Geoff's status.

Put on your thinking caps

Okay, so let's just say that I'm still writing on this damn blog come the first of the year (and the transplant has still not happened). Note to all: if that does happen, you will find me in jail because I will have tried to harvest my neighbor's liver by then. Note to police: I am totally kidding.

Hello???? We need a new name-Liver Wait 08' will no longer do.

I need some ideas. Start thinking. I want t-shirts made up.

Maybe?

#2 in Fort Worth

#4 in Dallas

Hmmmm...........

Watch out

It's in the mail

We received word yesterday that all of the required paperwork is in the mail and on its way to Washington. If anyone knows me they know that I am the most IMPATIENT person on earth. I have been stalking the coordinator at UW (sorry, Brian), but I'm sure he understands.

*Tube check went great yesterday. Hoping to have bloodwork results by today. Come on Meld of 21...momma needs a pair of shoes.

Obama Mama

Were a happy bunch this morning.

Status

#4 in Fort Worth
#5 in Dallas

• Tube check on Thursday
• Bloodwork on Thursday (this set of bloodwork will be submitted to UNOS-the organ Gods. In some sick twisted way we are hoping his levels will be elevated so that his MELD score can be increased).
• Washington Update: getting paperwork completed so that we can fly out there and meet with the team (and hopefully to be put on the list sometime before Christmas....probably a stretch, but still shooting for it)

Totally random, but do any of you out there watch Prison Break? You know how they are always talking about the "Company" and how no one can get to them and they seem unbeatable? That's who I'm beginning to think the "committee" is, the committee that makes all these crappy-ass decisions. So, from now on they are the "Company" in my world. Anyone following this? It makes perfect sense to me.

Fight On

Liver Boy

Okay, I know Geoff doesn't appreciate the nickname "liver boy", but come on, it is pretty funny. Even his client last night was calling him that.

We went to liver clinic today. A successful clinic in my mind. The great Dr. S was wonderful, as usual. He basically said that in order for Geoff to get transplanted any quicker he would have to get sicker. This is no news to us. They have petitioned twice for additional points and we have been denied. They are going to try a 'phone poll', which is where the doctors actually have a conference call with the committee and a request/decision is made. I guess it's the step above the petition to the petition. Again, a pretty slim chance, but it just shows us how much they are fighting for Geoff.

We discussed our listing for Washington and he was very supportive. He flat out said, "It's human nature. I would be doing everything that I could if it was me".

So, with that said, we are moving forward. In the next two weeks we should know when our appt. is so that we can start booking flights, etc. (I KNOW! TWO WEEKS??? Everything is a process....).

Happy Halloween! The Dunkles are having a Halloween Open House tonight with 70 of our friends and neighbors. Crazy much?

Random

I was tagged by my friend Holly. So, now it is my turn to tell you 7 random facts about me. I'm sure this will be a fascinating read (way sarcastic).

1. I will NEVER wear a pair of high heels even though I would love to. Being 5'10 there is no way you would ever catch me in a pair, which is why I am a much better dresser in the Spring/Summer because flip-flops are my favorite.

2. I love WINE. Okay, not so random, but I had to throw it out there. I get my love of wine from my mom. Who's surprised (Betty is currently cringing at her laptop)?

3. Shopping is my second "career". The bargains continue to call my name on a weekly basis. I hunt, I find, I buy. Bargain shopping. That is why you will never find me on Oprah confessing to Geoff that we have $50,000 in credit card debt because I couldn't stay out of the Coach store. Think Dollar General.

4. I can pick up just about anything with my toes. I believe it's a true talent.

5. In High School, I probably had about 10 part-time jobs (all at different times, of course). The bagel shop, the flower shop, two dry cleaners, an Italian restaurant, and a few others that I can't quite remember. If they didn't give me the time off for something like a football game or cheerleading try-outs then I had to quit. Their loss.

6. I LOVE Mexican food. I could eat it all day, everyday. Sometimes I wonder if I was secretly born in Tijuana...maybe that's where it all began?

7. I believe that my birthday should be a national holiday. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated for at least a week or more whether you're turning 12 or 60, especially mine. So for everyone reading this don't forget my 30th is coming up (you have a year to start planning).

I am tagging:

Kayla

Brenda

Jaime

Dawn

Rhonda

Tracy

Lisa

Decisions

Okay, so Dr. Reyes called yesterday (my cell phone). It was sorta like either getting a call from God or the President of the United States...I've haven't decided yet. Well actually, now that I think about it I would say more like God because if George Bush called me I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have a hard time telling him what an idiot he was. Way off track....

So, Dr. Reyes basically asks "what can I do for you and your husband"? I explain the situation and he simply says that getting a second opinion isn't a bad idea and he thinks that they (UW) can help us. That our time would not be wasted coming out there for the initial evaluation. End call. All in all, Geoff and I felt good about the call. At least they weren't trying to stop us, right?

Fast forward to 7:00PM

Dr. Chinna Chinna (not real name, just can't pronounce it or spell it) calls Geoff. Again, very exciting to receive a call from one of these "Gods". He was very sympathic. Told Geoff that it was not a bad idea to try and go get listed at another region BUT to be very selective on where we go (making reference to the fact that he wouldn't just send Geoff to any transplant center). He also wanted us to make sure that the waiting time would really be signifactly less at UW. He gave us a couple of questions to ask the UW team (before we head out there). All very wise information. Geoff made sure to tell Dr. Chinna Chinna how much we are devoted to Baylor, reminded him that they saved his life, how grateful we are, that if possible he would marry Chinna Chinna (not really), etc. Hopefully the point was made that we didn't want Baylor to get the impression that we have given up on them.

We have a lot of decisions to make. Do we head out there? Take the risk? The appt. at UW could take weeks to get. We meet with the team here in Dallas tomorrow-I'm sure it will be discussed a little bit more.

To be continued...

I told her to pray

Update: You guys were supposed to think it was cute/funny, not make you cry. Note to self: bad joke.

Status

Fort Worth #3
Dallas #4

Still no call from Washington, but we were informed that one of the surgeons from Dallas spoke to the Chief of Transplantation at UW sometime yesterday.

Washington or Bust?

Geoff received an e-mail from his transplant coordinator this morning:

The surgeons discussed this (meaning Geoff's request from Friday) in their meeting this morning. Dr. Chinnakotla will be making the call to Washington. Hopefully he will get this done today.

So, I guess we have their blessing. Not sure what the next steps will be, but I assume flying to Washington will be one of them. Let's see how quickly the appts. get set-up.

Amen!

It's the weekend.

Our shock/anger/pity/feel-sorry for ourselves-attitude is over (almost). It's a new day.

Geoff wrote a letter on Friday to his transplant team requesting a referral to UW. We'll see what they say....

Denied

Denied the two points. Denied, denied, denied.

Currently #3 in Fort Worth and #4 in Dallas, which means absolute shit at this point.

Have a great day, I'm about to go drink mine.

Nada

Still haven't heard about the two points....the doctors are probably still on their fabulous vacations with their fabulous families. Not bitter, just sayin.

A peaceful moment

Status

#4 Fort Worth
#5 Dallas

CLEARLY, no change.

To be continued

Hopefully tomorrow we will find out Geoff's status on the list. He is back on the list, but we have not received word of the two additional points. Technically "they" have two weeks to respond to the request.

More to come.

Weekend Festivities

Neighborhood Fall/Halloween Festival

featuring:
Belinda Carlisle

Belinda didn't want to leave

Uncle Pete last weekend