We had an opportunity yesterday afternoon to ask a few questions of the transplant coordinator at U of C Hospital, which helped add some clarity to our understanding of Patty's condition.
The test that came back with unsettling results is called a "panel reactive antibodies" (PRA) test. Patty's score was 65% Class I, and 100% Class II. I believe this means that out of every 100 potential heart donations, 65% would be rejected by Patty within a very short period of transplant, and she would likely have longer-term complications with any transplant. As we mentioned previously, the most likely course of action will be to use chemotherapy to kill the antibodies that would reject a donor heart; Patty would need to receive these treatments until the transplant and for a short time post-transplant. We were assured that the chemo drugs they would use (most likely IVIG and/or Cytoxan) are not harmful to the heart, although they do have some potentially nasty side effects and will increase the risk of infection. Along with the chemo, doctors will likely do plasmapheresis, where they will attempt to "scrub" antibodies out of Patty's blood. Although there are no guarantees that the treatments will reduce the antibodies to a sufficient level, doctors are hopeful, and have assured us that there are alternatives should these steps not work.
Today, Patty is not feeling very well. Along with her typical heart failure travails, she has a very sore throat and is somewhat miserable. As a bright point, though, Patty enjoyed a 45-minute conversation with Peggy DiNunzio, a friend of the extended family who received a heart transplant 19 months ago. Peggy clearly has fought a huge battle, and was inspiring to Patty. Patty and Peggy have agreed to keep in touch, and Patty seems very pleased to have someone she can draw upon for information and first-person perspective. A blog for Peggy was maintained throughout her ordeal, and was a source of strength for her and her family. Patty also visits this page often, in the hopes of staying in touch with people. So please keep the comments coming (click on the "X comments" link below.)
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Love,
Brian
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4 comments:
We all admire what the all of you are dealing with and the manner in which you are coping (by "We" I mean the royal "We"...What What). I'm sure you know that we all think of you constantly and are always here if you need anything, as I'm sure you are aware.
P.S. I'm no doctor, but I'm guessing the sore throat is being caused by constant exposure to Brian's rather punguent and odious aroma.
Hey OC,
Sorry i didnt leave an e-mail address last time. I'm glad you've had the chance to talk to someone who went through a similar situation. I should be their on Wednsday so till then..
Ashley
Goingunder2033@aol.com
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
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I love your website. It has a lot of great pictures and is very informative.
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