Hi all,

 I told you that I would give an update from the last UCLA visit so here it is...

My mom and I went down on December 6th and met with Dr. Gerald Lipshutz who will be performing my transplant when the time comes.  He's a very kind, compassionate doctor who realizes the urgency of which my family and I have to get through this situation.  We spoke about the process that will be coming up here soon and will be moving quickly once it starts. 

UCLA apparently has just started to transplant with the ABO incompatability tests...meaning transplanting with different blood types.  They are doing their first one later this week, with a second one following in January.  It seemed like they didn't have anyone else ready to go for this kind of transplant...so it looks like I may be the third one in UCLA history if everything goes well in the coming months...so we'll see.

My dad is beginning his health regimen by stopping his smoking habit as well as losing around 25 lbs.  I know that this will be difficult for him but I'm grateful he's doing it and I know he realizes he needs to do it not only for me but for himself as well.

I am still planning on going to school in January, but things may change if we get my first surgery planned, etc.  I really don't know how to plan for that so I guess I'll just deal with it when the time comes.

I don't know if any of you still read these postings when they're updated, so if you do, please email me.  Also, if there's anything specific you want to know, please let me know that as well.

Next update will be posted by: December 29, 2007