Well everyone, this last week I had my first "official" appointment at UCLA Medical Center where I met some of the staff including the Director of Nephrology as well as a surgeon.  They had both looked over my records from here in town, including those from my dialysis unit and both felt that I am an ideal candidate for transplant.  This is GREAT news because if I have the confidence of those who will be treating me, then I feel a lot more comfortable.  Everyone was very nice...and the director even listened to my family concerns about me being transplanted with a incompatible blood type.  As you know, both my parents are A+ blood, while I'm O+ blood.  If you're not familiar with the blood type compatibility, O blood can be given to anyone, regardless of blood type (others are A, B, & AB).  I am what is known as a "universal donor" since I can give to anyone.  AB blood is the "universal receiver" because they can get A, B, AB, or O blood.  The cadaveric waiting list (also known as the "transplant list") is 7-10 YEARS for someone like me...therefore I want a "living donor" as it would be MUCH faster. 

My family and I are looking into a process we heard about to where we can transplant regardless of blood type, and it has shown great success in the times it's been done...but it's still a relatively new and unused process for the most part.  The director made clear that if they for some reason at UCLA cannot handle my case, they will send me wherever my case will be accepted...which is EXCELLENT news that they are willing to work with me. 

I may be hearing more about what will be happening in the coming months soon...maybe as soon as two or three weeks.  I will post when anything new comes up.

Please bear with me that it's tedious to journal every day, so I will not be doing that.  Any time something develops however, you will know. 

Hope everyone out there who has supported me is doing well.