Everyone,

I hope I have a few people who occassionally check this blog, and so in case I do, here is a big announcement:  I AM OFFICIALLY IN THE CEDARS-SINAI TRANSPLANT PROGRAM.  Some of you may be familiar with Dr. Stanley Jordan at Cedars, who has pioneered incompatible transplants to the rate of 95% successful (which is unbelieveable).  Just a few years ago, it was unheard of for a transplant reciepient to receive an organ from someone with an entirely different blood type.  The result would've been almost instant death from the body attacking the new organ because it doesn't recognize it as it's "own".  Dr. Jordan has created a method that allows the body to accept the new organ in most cases.  I'm not entirely sure if I will be part of this fairly new protocol, but the option at Cedars is there...and the best people for the job, who are experienced in doing it.

I have not yet met Dr. Jordan personally, or anyone from Cedars for that matter...but I have a couple of close friends who know him personally, and have nothing but the best to say of him.  I feel confident that I'm in good hands, and look forward to getting this thing done as soon as possible.  While I cannot give even the slightest clue of a realistic timeline for completion of my two surgeries and recovery, I can say that I'm hopeful it will all be done by the conclusion of 2008.

Thanks again for everyone's kind words and ongoing support...I hope to hear from a lot of you soon.  I also hope things are going well for you and your families.  Take care.