[eschaider]

Olddog, (I always call you olddog but now might be a good time to get a first name) I have had many friends who have had successful organ transplants. I am surprised at the number not the outcome. Some were livers, some were kidneys, some were hearts. Most people may know one or two maybe three but my count of friends is somewhere north of six.

All have survived and had excellent experiences. Some came very close to the end before a donor was found. As Mark IV and Tony have already observed the living donor alternative, for liver transplants, can substantially shorten the wait time and it is something I would encourage you to explore.

On many levels your life will change after the transplant. You will consume some level of anti rejection medication for the remainder of your life. That is a small price to pay for the 'extra' years.

Do not let, perhaps principled but unreasoned considerations dissuade you. We all have a finite amount of time on this planet. When you are provided an opportunity to extend it into overtime, that kind of opportunity is made available to only a very few — do not dismiss it. Someone thinks there are things left in your life, on this planet, that need to be done by you and you ae being given that overtime to get the job done.

Take the overtime, do the job. When you are done you will be glad you did!

You'll be in my prayers. Wishing you the very best.



Ed