Approved

RELIEF: That is the best way to describe how we feel about the news that I am approved to be a living-donor for Thatcher!! Pittsburgh reviewed my case yesterday and told me I was approved “without reservation”...just like the ole fortune cookie said, “A Perfect Match.”

The next step is to schedule the two surgical teams. My surgical team will contact Thatcher’s surgical team, headed by Dr. Mazariegos (http://www.chp.edu/CHP/Mazariegos%2C+George+V.%2C+MD+) and pretty much say, “We have a liver for Thatcher, when do you want it.”

Dr. Mazariegos

We will likely be contacted with some dates that work for the two surgical teams then choose when we can come up. Kind of strange to schedule such an event as though it were a C-section or tonsillectomy, but I’m sure this will be less hectic and less stressful than waiting for a cadaver.

I feel as though a weight has been lifted now that we have found Thatcher a liver, yet we are nervous and scared at the same time. We realize this is just one step along the way, but it is a small victory and gives us such hope. Today was definitely better news than the alternative. Praise God for the living donor option that allows me to give to my sweet Thatcher!