My Fellow Stones Fans,

This is not easy for me, but I'm at the point where I can't worry about being judged for something stupid I did almost 20 years ago.

I recently found out I have Hepatitis, and it's at the point now where I need to publicly solicit donors. If I can't find a compatible donor, chances are I'll have less than a year or two to live. I'm already on medication that is making me feel ill every day. The way a living donation works is they find a compatible donor (same blood type, body mass index, etc.) in good health and take a piece or "lobe" from their liver and transplant it. The liver actually regenerates and grows back to its original state within a few months.

They take the entire "bad" liver out of the recipient and replace it with this "lobe," and if I'm lucky my body won't reject it and I'd get to live a normal lifespan, albeit on regenerative drugs. I'd be ecstatic just to have another 10 years at this point. You see, I look after my mom, who is 88 years old. The thought of leaving her here alone is more than I can bear. Most of my family are gone, and the few who are left cannot care for her. I have no family I can solicit as donors either.

Last year, there were something like 6,500 transplants. There are currently 17,000 people on national waiting lists. I live in the New York area, so my chances of getting a compatible donor are slim to none. My blood type is O+. I'm asking everyone I know, because the more people who are aware of this, the better my chances are. Please don't turn this into a discussion thread. If you can help or know someone who can, PM me.

Here is a link explaining living liver donation:

http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/info/transplant/

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver.htm

Thanks to the mods for allowing me to make this public plea. If you know me personally, you know how hard it is for me to "go public" with this. I'm putting my faith in the Stones Community.

You've been very brave to go public with this problem, but you've done the right thing as making more friends and family aware of it can only increase your chances. Well done.

You know your friends will be here for you anytime. Keep your spirits up. Let's hope something will come up sooner or later (preferably sooner).

Bless you, Gary. You've been a real friend to me all through this.
You're one of God's natural men.
Fingers crossed.
xox

Thanks to LadyJane for her support as well. She was instrumental in encouraging me to take this public. My Stones Sister - for REAL.
xox

Good luck in your search GTRM!  You are very brave indeed.

I am sorry to hear of your condition.  My thoughts and prayers are with you (and those you love).  You deserve a donor, soon.

OMG I feel so bad for you GTRM. I really hope this works out somehow.

Got to roll me.... this is very frightening... I am already an organ donor when I die but how do I translate that to being a living donor?? I wrote the lady on your link.  The donor process is so mysterious.

I wish you HUGE SUCCESS in this venture. We simply must get your operation. Keep talking to people all around you and make some connections for someone to see to your mama while you are recuperating. ..... I give you big hugs...I'm sorry I just realized you didn't want us to write on this thread.

I'm so proud of you M.
I will NEVER EVER give up hope.
You have the soul and grit of Keith Richards.

We shall FIGHT ON.

Love you!
P.

How do I figure out what my blood type is?

EDIT: And if I remember correctly from biology class, O+ people can still accept blood from O donors, right? Does it work the same way with livers?

Holden wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2010 at 10:09pm:

How do I figure out what my blood type is? EDIT: And if I remember correctly from biology class, O+ people can still accept blood from O donors, right? Does it work the same way with livers?

It would be on :
a) your birth certificate (or should be)

b) On your Blood donation card (Red Cross or otherwise)

c) Your primary care physician would probably know if you had blood drawn...or they can do it for you.

d) ask your parents


correct about the donor part...actually O+ can donate to all blood types EXCEPT O- (a rare blood type)...inversely...AB+ can receive from ALL types but can only donate to AB+

**** Mary...I don't pray...but i will say that my thoughts, positive vibes and chants are heading your way...I will be brave with you if stay brave!!! ****

GTRM please know you are loved here by all. Somehow this will work out. I wish somehow my blood type was compatible but I know it is not. We will all hold you tight as you win this battle!

M, Sorry.  I'lm choked up real bad.  You have been a friend of mine, a real good friend of mine...I'll email you.

Good luck to you, GTRM.  

best wishes to you - stay strong.

All of my prayers GTRM

GTRM, you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.   I  hope that a donor is found ASAP.

Please stay strong and positive.


Many Hugs,

FG!

I am truly saddened to read this. I really wish you a speedy recovery and hopefully you’ll get the support you need so badly. I think you can count on all of our very best wishes. Please keep us posted.

Alex

So sad to hear this bad news.Hope you get a quick response.My thoughts  are with you.

Brave move and best of luck.

I'm so sad to know it, but you're so brave to share it with us. We all are proud of you.
Dont give up never to the hope, and you'll stay with us still for long long time.
You're a strong woman, and I'm sure that there is somebody who might do this for you.
Stay strong and beautiful
Do Not Give UP Ever

Facing insurmountable odds takes much bravery and lots and lots of positive thoughts. You are much loved by your Stones family here.  Going "public" can only help your situation. I can't be your donor, but I'll help any way I can. Love ya, Sister!

all my best wishes to you .

I am hoping and praying for the best. I want you to win this fight!

GTRM, you have my (and my husband's) prayers, love, support and hope....I'm really proud of you for reaching out and telling us what's been going on with you.  I'm so sorry for what you are enduring and I pray that a solution is coming your way and soon.  Keep reaching out.  That's the key that unlocks many doors.  You are as tough as Keith, like LJ says, so try hard not to spend time frettin'. We all support you.  

with love and respect,
Martha

You are in my thoughts,too,GTRTM.Keep faith and may God bless you.

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad94/angeloilpainting/8x10inch%20oil%20painting/H67.jpg


I pray you have all the strength you'll need and never loose the faith GTRM

Tumbled wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2010 at 7:31pm:

Got to roll me.... this is very frightening... I am already an organ donor when I die but how do I translate that to being a living donor?? I wrote the lady on your link.  The donor process is so mysterious. I wish you HUGE SUCCESS in this venture. We simply must get your operation. Keep talking to people all around you and make some connections for someone to see to your mama while you are recuperating. ..... I give you big hugs...I'm sorry I just realized you didn't want us to write on this thread.

Thank you so much, Tumbled. You're a doll. There's a pretty detailed explanation here, for anyone interested:

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver.htm

Wow, I just read all your replies. LJ was right - the Stones Community is the BEST.
Gazza was also good enough to ask Stonesdoug to post my public plea on Shidoobee here:
http://shidoobeewithstonesdoug.yuku.com/topic/22453?page=1

It really brought my spirits up to read all your replies. I needed that. I've been holding this in for months and not letting it out was a huge burden, so if I ever was rude to anyone here, I apologize - it's never any good to keep something this big on your shoulders and not expect it to affect you in a negative way.

God bless LJ for being there for me when I needed it, and Gazza for his infinite patience and help. You're all wonderful.

Now all I need is a donor...

Oh, GTRM, my heart is heavy....:( I am so sorry you have to go through this. :( I, too, would not be a compatible donor, but I DO pray and I will add you to my nightly prayer list. I know that telling all was not an easy thing to do, but it was the right thing to do! The more who know, the quicker you will find that donor. :) This is a very large, diverse, and STRONG Stone's community. We will always be here for you!

A guy I worked with several years ago's wife needed a kidney transplant, and he put a sign on his work van (he was a contractor) with a short message and his phone number.

He told me he did get a few calls, and ultimately his wife found a donor, although I don't know if it was from someone seeing the sign on the van.

Might be worth a try.

All the best to you, Gotto RollMe.

My prayers, tonight are with you and your Family. Be strong buddy.

Mr. Yeats wrote on Jan 24^th, 2010 at 4:38pm:

A guy I worked with several years ago's wife needed a kidney transplant, and he put a sign on his work van (he was a contractor) with a short message and his phone number. He told me he did get a few calls, and ultimately his wife found a donor, although I don't know if it was from someone seeing the sign on the van. Might be worth a try. All the best to you, Gotto RollMe.

Thanks Mr. Yeats, for the words of encouragement.
I figure the more people who know, the better my chances are. There just has to be someone out there who can spare a little piece of themselves that will grow back so that I can live. I'd do it in a heartbeat if the situations were reversed.

" I recently found out I have Hepatitis, and it's at the point now where I need to publicly solicit donors. If I can't find a compatible donor, chances are I'll have less than a year or two to live. I'm already on medication that is making me feel ill every day.  "

Stay Strong My Stonesian Sister ....... Chin Up !!!!!!


My thoughts and prayers are with you ALWAYS !!!!!!!!


Joey  

Mary,

What else can I say then i'm so sorry to hear about this...
I really hope for the best & i'm sending you positive vibes.

big hugs & kisses from me.

Egon

I think we should sticky this.

GTRM, baby, you're a Keith Richards girl, conventional stuff like that can't even get close to hurting you. It will be alright.
You've got e-mail.  :-*

GTRM, I'm asking around also here in Italy. Must doing this and try every way.
I couldnt be a donor for you, myself got heavy problems. and one of this is stay in the status quo which I am and do not getting worst. I within a few months, I will do not be able to walk anymore.
You're in my prayers and thought. I want look for you I promise.
But, please, dont give up never ever ever.
You Will Find A Donor, And You'll Be Still Alive And With Us

FotiniD wrote on Jan 25^th, 2010 at 3:39am:

I think we should sticky this. GTRM, baby, you're a Keith Richards girl, conventional stuff like that can't even get close to hurting you. It will be alright. You've got e-mail.  :-*

Unfortunately it cant be stickied on the main board without it being moved to the 'important topics' section - and sometimes those topics tend to not get noticed as easily. However, what we've done yesterday when Mary posted this was to have it in both sections - so that if it ever drops off the first page of this part of the site, it can easily be located by going to the 'important topics' section and the link saying its been moved to the main board will automatically take you to it.

That way, it will always remain on page 1 of the board, no matter what.

Thanks for everyone's support so far. Let's keep it going.

  Oh, dear!    I wish you all the best !
You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
  Love you.

What a ordeal to have to go through, especially when it's a matter of life, my thoughts are with you GTRM, you are brave to post this, God bless you.

My and Mindy's hearts are heavy, dear.
I will try my best to help you.

My thoughts are with you.
Have you looked into support groups for those that have had transplants?
I would think that they likely have information on how to find a donor, what works and what does not, etc.

Oh, honey...although I knew about the situation, it cuts me in half to actually read it here.
I'm so proud of you for making this public, and I think it will be the key to finding a solution.
You are helping everyone who waits on transplant lists everywhere by raising awareness.

xoxo
SV

Stay strong and keep the faith

I pray Gods favor for you!

God bless you all. I just found out today my only sibling cannot help me. Thanks for your public replies and private messages. I'm keeping the faith that there's someone out there somewhere.

Mary, baby cakes. From the first time I met ya I was in love with your soul. You are one of the coolest people on the planet. Chicago was a blast, so was AC. But your face at the Beacon was PRICELESS. With hard times comes good friends. I am so glad you shared this with your fellow, your fellow.....well family. I think you have started a chain reaction that will give you so many avenues, help is on the way. Just by reading some of the posts , people are already leaning your way. You have to keep strong and push forward. I will not accept nothing less. Take one day at a time, accept all the help you can get and keep strong. I know you would do the same for any of us. Your ass is going to be at the BBQ this year come hell or high water. As you have noticed I have refrained from saying Fuck the whole time. But..............you better get your fucking ass in gear darling, I will see you in May.

My Sincere Love,
Tom  
:paristhong

What a horrible situation for you. I hope you'll find help fast. Sending you positive thoughts and warmth from the currently ice cold Netherlands..

GTRM, hon, this will work out.  The very definition of faith is belief in things not seen.  You may not see your donor at this very second, but you will.  You are in my prayers.

Warmest regards,
Ang

Hey Mary, this is what Tele looked like going out of Morton;s that night....... :pukey :nanker :pullanolte

And the look on his face when he was running out the door from us, but we were running from him..... :blankfriggingstare1

60 dollar meal at mortons
60 dollar drink tab
Shedding that mother fucker..................Priceless....... :areyoufuckingserious

Dear GoToRollMe, this kind of things are really hard for me and sometimes I don't have words to express my feelings, I am writing in public now just to share some of the feelings and thoughts that I already expressed in private with you.

I love you

What about Lynn's proposal? I think it's an option, she is cool as cool, a great person, and I'm sure she can help

Be strong, we need you at least 60 years more  :aimama

Love you (once more and always)

Sincerely
The Voodoo

Wow,been gone a few days. What a hell of a first thread to read. Like evrybody else has already said. Many best wishes,thoughts and prayers GTRM. I sincerely hope everything works out for you and if it's not too personal or difficult for you. Please keep us posted on how things work out.

To find out if you can be a living liver donor call and leave a message at the phone # below ( 888-894-6361 ) : (there is a few weeks recuperation peroid for the donor):

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is involved in the transplant coordination process and is an excellent resource for information on the transplant process. They can be reached at 888-894-6361 or you can visit their website for educational brochures on living donor transplants: http://www.unos.org/resources/brochures.asp. We also recommend speaking with your doctor to see if you are eligible to be a living liver donor.

We hope this information is helpful to you.

Thank you for contacting the American Liver Foundation,
ALF Info

I was told that the transplant center that Gottorollme is assigned to will have to evaluate any potential donor as to age, blood type and health parameters.

TomL wrote on Jan 26^th, 2010 at 6:19pm:

Hey Mary, this is what Tele looked like going out of Morton;s that night....... :pukey :nanker :pullanolte And the look on his face when he was running out the door from us, but we were running from him..... :blankfriggingstare1 60 dollar meal at mortons 60 dollar drink tab Shedding that mother fucker..................Priceless....... :areyoufuckingserious

Funny memory Thomas.

As I recall, I asked nicely to settle the tab, Meg asked nicely, YOU asked nicely, Nanky asked nicely.....nope...Tele sat there with a blank friggin stare.

It was our Joisey Girl, GTRM, who finally got that grifter to fess up that he had no cash. That's our girl. Tough as nails!!!

I will never forget jumping into three separate cabs to escape that loser and head to Buddy Guy's!!!

Here's to many many more good memories next Tour.

LJ.

LJ that story is so funny and embarassing! How rude!

Voodoo Chile in Wonderland wrote on Jan 26^th, 2010 at 9:48pm:

Dear GoToRollMe, this kind of things are really hard for me and sometimes I don't have words to express my feelings, I am writing in public now just to share some of the feelings and thoughts that I already expressed in private with you. I love you What about Lynn's proposal? I think it's an option, she is cool as cool, a great person, and I'm sure she can help Be strong, we need you at least 60 years more  :aimama Love you (once more and always) Sincerely The Voodoo

Lynn has gotten me an appointment to be evaluated by a specialist in the Liver Unit at Montefiore Hospital. This from a woman who's never even met me. It's astounding how much kindness and love is coming from this community of ours.

I have to thank you again for all your public posts and private PM's. Some of you guys have really given me hope, and that's something I was in short supply of last week.

Trust me, you will meet one of the coolest fans I have ever met, she was one of the very first fans I met almost 11 years ago in Hartford, she knows how to party, she is funny to the extreme and as you can see a great person and this is the most important thing.

Lynn rules!  Thanks once more

Sometimes she has posted here

Good luck. I sure wish this will work out alright for you.

Thanks to Starbuck, my plea is on the Disneyland board, and thanks to Gazza, it's now on Shidoobee and IORR.
Thanks Gazza, you're the nazz! (And I mean that in the best possible way.) Gazz The Nazz!

GotToRollMe wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 4:41pm:

Thanks to Starbuck, my plea is on the Disneyland board, and thanks to Gazza, it's now on Shidoobee and IORR. Thanks Gazza, you're the nazz! (And I mean that in the best possible way.) Gazz The Nazz!

God job my name wasn't 'Grunt' or something... 8-)

Keep your spirits up, sister. With the help of your friends, you'll get the treatment you need and get a liver that'll be as good as your heart is.

xo

GTRM, Dallas Taylor, the CSN(Y) drummer who's now a drug counselor, wrote an autobiography in the 1990s that addressed his transplant experience.  You may want to check it out.  

http://www.amazon.com/Dallas-Taylor/e/B001K8NXSM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1264726027&sr=1-2-ent

God bless.  I hope you're laughing about it by Christmas.

Talk about serendipity. I was just thinking about him the other night. I had no idea he'd had a transplant. I remember him well, and will get the book. Thanks Andrews27.

Gazza wrote on Jan 28^th, 2010 at 5:28pm:

GotToRollMe wrote on Jan 28th, 2010 at 4:41pm: Thanks to Starbuck, my plea is on the Disneyland board, and thanks to Gazza, it's now on Shidoobee and IORR. Thanks Gazza, you're the nazz! (And I mean that in the best possible way.) Gazz The Nazz! God job my name wasn't 'Grunt' or something... 8-) Keep your spirits up, sister. With the help of your friends, you'll get the treatment you need and get a liver that'll be as good as your heart is. xo

Awww...anyone ever tell you ya got a way with woids?

GotToRollMe, how goes the struggle? (I don't mean to be presumptuous here, being new and all, but your situation moves me- maybe for personal or selfish reasons...dunno)

Have you got your friends and mates to put up signs on their vehicles yet?

Good work Gazza and Starbuck getting the word out on other Stones boards; any other music boards worth a shot? I'm thinking of a couple Springsteen boards- lotsa good peeps (lotsa dolts too, unfortunately, like anywhere!).

Here's hoping you have some decent healthcare happening, and have regular correspondence with doctors, RN's, social workers, advocates, etc.

Don't mean to be overly familiar, but, as another poster said, please do keep this board up to date on any progress (or otherwise)- gather any good or strength from where ever you can get it, and hang on to it.

All the best...

GotToRollMe wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 5:49pm:

Lynn has gotten me an appointment to be evaluated by a specialist in the Liver Unit at Montefiore Hospital. This from a woman who's never even met me. It's astounding how much kindness and love is coming from this community of ours. I have to thank you again for all your public posts and private PM's. Some of you guys have really given me hope, and that's something I was in short supply of last week.

Great news!!!  :)
Wishing you all the luck in the world baby, cause you deserve it 100%. It will be alright  ;)

I'm very sorry to hear this, GTRM...

Please keep the faith and keep up the awareness campaign -- there are great people out there willing to help if they only know.

Great news GTRM!  Lynn sounds like an angel.  Hope is here!  See what coming out of the closet does for a person at Rocks Off!  

It certainly added many more years to our Joey's young life! ;-)  :forfucksake

And just like our good Capt. Sway TomL says.....You will make it through this!!!!

I love you honey!

xoxoxoxoxo,
Martha

LadyJane wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 3:13pm:

TomL wrote on Jan 26th, 2010 at 6:19pm: Hey Mary, this is what Tele looked like going out of Morton;s that night....... :pukey :nanker :pullanolte And the look on his face when he was running out the door from us, but we were running from him..... :blankfriggingstare1 60 dollar meal at mortons 60 dollar drink tab Shedding that mother fucker..................Priceless....... :areyoufuckingserious Funny memory Thomas. As I recall, I asked nicely to settle the tab, Meg asked nicely, YOU asked nicely, Nanky asked nicely.....nope...Tele sat there with a blank friggin stare. It was our Joisey Girl, GTRM, who finally got that grifter to fess up that he had no cash. That's our girl. Tough as nails!!! I will never forget jumping into three separate cabs to escape that loser and head to Buddy Guy's!!! Here's to many many more good memories next Tour. LJ.

Anyone who embarrasses that gobshite and calls Cohl a 'rat bastid' within earshot on the same tour will always have my seal of approval.

Think about this - I don't know GTRM personally, but judging from all that do, she's got the soul and heart like no other.  So, how fitting it is, that her board name matches up with one of the great moments in Stones history - the outro on EOMS version of Tumbling Dice is awesome, but the one from Ladies and Gents is even better.  While the band is jamming to that riff in B (C on L&G), Mick's saying to us, everybody needs somebody sometimeee... oozing soul, and giving us another unforgettable tingle... so if GTRM, the woman, has touched someone in the way Tumbling Dice has, and I'm sure she has, God bless her!

Throwaway wrote on Jan 29^th, 2010 at 1:48pm:

Think about this - I don't know GTRM personally, but judging from all that do, she's got the soul and heart like no other.  So, how fitting it is, that her board name matches up with one of the great moments in Stones history - the outro on EOMS version of Tumbling Dice is awesome, but the one from Ladies and Gents is even better.  While the band is jamming to that riff in B (C on L&G), Mick's saying to us, everybody needs somebody sometimeee... oozing soul, and giving us another unforgettable tingle... so if GTRM, the woman, has touched someone in the way Tumbling Dice has, and I'm sure she has, God bless her!

Beautiful analogy and absolutely SPOT ON!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been following M's threads on 4 Stones Boards and I thought I knew and understood how much love we have for each other.
I didn't have a clue.
God Bless each of you!!!!!!!!
Thank you for helping and supporting my friend.

LJ.

Mr. Yeats wrote on Jan 29^th, 2010 at 12:33am:

GotToRollMe, how goes the struggle? (I don't mean to be presumptuous here, being new and all, but your situation moves me- maybe for personal or selfish reasons...dunno) Have you got your friends and mates to put up signs on their vehicles yet? Good work Gazza and Starbuck getting the word out on other Stones boards; any other music boards worth a shot? I'm thinking of a couple Springsteen boards- lotsa good peeps (lotsa dolts too, unfortunately, like anywhere!). Here's hoping you have some decent healthcare happening, and have regular correspondence with doctors, RN's, social workers, advocates, etc. Don't mean to be overly familiar, but, as another poster said, please do keep this board up to date on any progress (or otherwise)- gather any good or strength from where ever you can get it, and hang on to it. All the best...

You're not being overly familiar at all, Mr. Yeats. I haven't had any signs put up, but I've received a lot of support on these boards, and some beautiful sentiments. I'm in the process of getting my healthcare together - wish me luck - and as far as something concrete, in addition to a couple of wonderful people offering their help, I've been offered an evaluation by specialists at the top donor hospital in my area, so I'm keeping the faith.

Throwaway wrote on Jan 29^th, 2010 at 1:48pm:

Think about this - I don't know GTRM personally, but judging from all that do, she's got the soul and heart like no other.  So, how fitting it is, that her board name matches up with one of the great moments in Stones history - the outro on EOMS version of Tumbling Dice is awesome, but the one from Ladies and Gents is even better.  While the band is jamming to that riff in B (C on L&G), Mick's saying to us, everybody needs somebody sometimeee... oozing soul, and giving us another unforgettable tingle... so if GTRM, the woman, has touched someone in the way Tumbling Dice has, and I'm sure she has, God bless her!

Throwaway, I was feeling pretty beat up today, but you just made my day. Thanks to you, and to all the other good, good people on this board.

i hope you get all the care and attention you need got to roll me.

:wtf1

Thanks, platter. Good to see you back!

GotToRollMe wrote on Jan 29^th, 2010 at 2:49pm:

Throwaway wrote on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:48pm: Think about this - I don't know GTRM personally, but judging from all that do, she's got the soul and heart like no other.  So, how fitting it is, that her board name matches up with one of the great moments in Stones history - the outro on EOMS version of Tumbling Dice is awesome, but the one from Ladies and Gents is even better.  While the band is jamming to that riff in B (C on L&G), Mick's saying to us, everybody needs somebody sometimeee... oozing soul, and giving us another unforgettable tingle... so if GTRM, the woman, has touched someone in the way Tumbling Dice has, and I'm sure she has, God bless her! Throwaway, I was feeling pretty beat up today, but you just made my day. Thanks to you, and to all the other good, good people on this board.

Don't thank me - thank Keith for that riff!  But really, it's a shame disputes even exist on this board, and it shouldn't take much to realize that we're all human behind our avatars and "JOEY?" pictures...












(except for Gazza the stonesipedia)


Let's keep this thread rolling with good vibes.

GTRM, I am sorry to read of your plight.
I wish you the best of luck with this.
I know you will pull thru!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/hope3_edited-1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/friends4.gif

LJ, you're my angel.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r166/thunderstrike2k/poems%20and%20sayings/dolphins2007.jpg
Because GTRM, we're sharing more than a simply thing. But a life. Together we will win. :)

I'm really encouraged by the response you've gotten so far, GTRM! :) The evaluation is wonderful! Please, keep us posted....I've been praying for you every night before bed...

To cheer you M:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/Stones/2010Jan_007b.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/Stones/2010Jan_019b.jpg

hugs,
LJ.

Thanks, girls. You've all been wonderful.
LJ, I do believe you've outdone yourself:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/Stones/2010Jan_019b.jpg

You're all my angels.
Love,
M.

You know that we do take-away
We deliver too
Open 24 hours
Just waiting on a call from you

Well I'm in the yellow pages
You just take a look
Look me under services
You know its just an open book

Babe its just an open book
Its just an open book
Well baby

Any minute any hour
I'm waiting on a call from you
And you know this heart is constant
I'm your lover baby
Thru and thru
Lover baby thru and thru

I only found yesterday
I heard it on the news
What I heard really pissed me off
Cause now I get those fucking blues
I got those awesome blues
Babe I got those nothing blues

Any minute any hour
I'm waiting on a call from you
And you know this heart is constant
I'm your lover baby
Thru and thru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwLt2uipMTE
Lover baby thru and thru

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/rachaelleanna/Edited%20Photography/rainbows_small-1.jpg :)

GTRM: you're indeed brave beyond words...
I shall hold my fingers, toes and ovaries crossed for you to get a donor soon, I just know it will happen!
All my loive and good voibes are pointing at you!

How goes it, GTRM?

Any good news?

And how are things anyways?

Here's hoping you be having some sweetness, light, and any fine and good things you can conjur up.

Peaceonya.

Thanks to you all. Just reading your posts brings my spirits up. Here's the latest:

It went very well yesterday at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. They have an entire floor specifically for helping people with liver disease, and they do organ transplants as well. I saw a doctor and was evaluated. They did bloodwork and I have an appointment to go back in a few weeks. I have to bring all my test results from my primary care doctor, as well as the hospital in Manhattan where I had a battery of tests last summer. The doctors, nurses, and aides were all non-judgmental and genuinely dedicated to their work. When I mentioned that my memory was failing a bit, they even gave me a date book to write my appointments in.

While waiting for my bloodwork, I just happened to run into a post-transplant woman who was visiting. She looked great. You'd never know she was ever a transplant patient, and she now works as a counselor for people with Hepatitis and other liver diseases. She told me she went to Florida and stayed with friends while awaiting her transplant, and within two weeks had a donor and a transplant. She said she didn't even have time to get scared, things moved so quickly. The tri-state area here is so densely populated, it makes it very hard to get a donor, but if I can stay with someone who lives in a less crowded area, my chances are much better. I'm thinking about it seriously. If I can make sure my mom will be looked after, I'm going to do it. But first I'm going back to this hospital for a few tests and get on all the local donor lists. This post-transplant woman told me that I can't let the doctors make all the decisions for me, and that basically my life is in my own hands. Just running into her and talking with her gave me an enormous amount of hope.

If it weren't for LadyJane encouraging me, Gazza helping me to get my plea posted on various boards, and then Lynn from Shidoobee getting this evaluation for me, none of this would have happened. I'm so grateful for the friends I have, and for the new friends I'm making. You are all helping me in various ways. Every kind word and expression of concern means more than you'll ever know.

Wow I just can't even imagine going through half of what your going through. What an ordeal to say the least. Hope it's not too cliche to say stay strong hang in there and all that good stuff. But keep on rolling GTRM. We're all pulling for you. :willya

Mary I am so happy to see you have gone through this evaluation and making plans to temporarily move to a better locale. I am so glad that you got to talk to a trailblazer and learned how to work it are getting registered and hope you can get to a better less dense area where there are more donors and fewer patients.  I hope you can get this done soon!!!

Was very pleased to talk to you last night and hear how positive you sounded. Great to read you had such an uplifting experience.

Hang in there, kid - we're all rooting for you and will do anything we can to help you get well again.

Now ... look at today's header video.

You and I were a few yards away from where it was shot.

And in a year or two we WILL be there again.

Gazza wrote on Feb 6^th, 2010 at 4:09pm:

Was very pleased to talk to you last night and hear how positive you sounded. Great to read you had such an uplifting experience. Hang in there, kid - we're all rooting for you and will do anything we can to help you get well again. Now ... look at today's header video. You and I were a few yards away from where it was shot. And in a year or two we WILL be there again.

Now that you mention it, I remember that little boy who was there with his father! We were that close to the taper!

You know, I'm starting to believe we just might do this again someday.

I love these positive vibes coming from this thread!

Boomy wrote on Feb 6^th, 2010 at 6:41pm:

I love these positive vibes coming from this thread!

Warms my heart Boomy!!!

My dear Mary. You are so brave. We WILL see the Stones next Tour.

hugs,
LJ.

Absolutely fantastic news, I'm breathing a sigh of relief here. So, GTRM, do you know anybody in Florida that you could stay with for a couple of weeks? If not, I do know two different people I could ask...Or are there perhaps such kind souls on RO?  

YAY! I am absolutely elated to hear all of your great news Mary.  There is a solution for you.  You are moving towards that now.  Good job!  This community of wonderful rock fans will not stand for anything other than you fully regaining your health.  Period.   Now you have a mountain of support from this message board alone.  :willya

Keep walking toward the love and the light.  This world NEEDS you.  You are a very special person.  I know that by reading this message board and from all the kind emails you've sent me over the years.  You are a true GEM.  And you will be able to help others with your wisdom and knowledge once you are well.  I can see you doing that in my mind.   :)

I believe in you and I know the power of this message board and of all the loving people who post here.  Like you, I have been so incredibly lucky to have met (and those who I haven't met yet) people who I adore and love.  You have ahold of all that love now from letting us share in your situation.  Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your time of need.  I am humbled by your strength and your graciousness.  Shine that light darlin'!  

You were feet away from Keef at this show?  Wow!  The love and energy I feel from just watching the 5:50 video of Keef and the boys playing JJF, well I feel 10 years younger than I did BEFORE I saw it.  And Keef is the MAN.  He's helping you.  Keep ahold of his energy.  And I too believe we all will see them again.  

I send you lots of love and support.  

with love and joy,
Martha

Worked the bars and side-shows
along the Twilight Zone
Only a crowd can make you feel so alone
And it really hit home
Booze and pills and powders
You have to choose your medicines
Well its another goodbye
To another good friend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe7VrAr2ojE
..and we never will have to say you goodbye Mary.

Well after all is said and done
Gotta move while its still fun
But let me walk before they make me run

Watch my tail-lights fading
There aint a dry eye in the house
They're laughin' and singin' well they're dancin'
And drinkin' as I left town
I'm gonna find my way to Heaven
'cause I did my time in hell
I wasnt looking too good, but I was feeling real well

Well after all is said and done
I did alright an' had my fun
But I will walk before they make me run

I'm very glad to hear your so good news Mary. I tell you American Keith's sis:
We shall overcome. :) You will raise and shining once again.
http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz122/webtiva/1003477.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd35/bleachlover_2007/Anime%20Mix%20Pictures/MovingWaterfalls.jpg

If I might find a place like this when I'm so in deep blue.. it could keep me cool down and totally relax.
Maybe in the Emerald's island, there is a place as this.
I saw you in that white tiger StayStrongAndBeautiful :smilemick

This really sucks, I hope it all works out somehow.

Thank you so much for your beautiful sentiments, Martha, and RubyLyn (my Italian Keith sister!), thanks for the beautiful photos and Keith songs. Every single person who has posted on this thread - and who has sent me personal messages - is helping me in their own way. I'm really humbled, and grateful to you all. If all goes well, hopefully we'll all meet next tour.

GotToRollMe wrote on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 1:55pm:

Thank you so much for your beautiful sentiments, Martha, and RubyLyn (my Italian Keith sister!), thanks for the beautiful photos and Keith songs. Every single person who has posted on this thread - and who has sent me personal messages - is helping me in their own way. I'm really humbled, and grateful to you all. If all goes well, hopefully we'll all meet next tour.

I for one can't wait for us all to meet again wherever that might be. GTRM your spirit and love of the Stones will Shine A Light until we all get there together!

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af221/Nao-25/Clouds/Clouds.jpg

Hope your day has not so many clouds as here above
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm22/wonder_lick/fHY7nj.jpg
But, as here. You're a great person, and I wish you all the fortune of this world because you deserve it.
Thanks for your kindly words.. but..

I've gotten some requests for information about becoming a living donor. Here are some links for those interested. Thanks for your time and consideration:

http://www.ehow.com/how_10828_be-liver-donor.html

http://www.lpch.org/clinicalspecialtiesservices/coe/transplant/livertransplant/liverFaqDonors.html

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver.htm

bump!

Alright. At least some good things are happening now. Still keeping my fingers crossed for you GotToRollMe and sending good vibes to you from this side of the big water

If you haven't seen the movie, "Seven Pounds," I'd highly recommend it. It's amazing how you can save someone's life by becoming a donor:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/

In the case of donating part of your liver (which regenerates), you'd be doing something low-risk (the person on the receiving end takes all the risk) and you'd literally save someone's life (mine, in this case). It makes a big difference between getting on a waiting list and bringing in your own donor.

GotToRollMe wrote on Feb 10^th, 2010 at 4:14pm:

If you haven't seen the movie, "7 Pounds," I'd highly recommend it. It's amazing how you can save someone's life by becoming a donor: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/ In the case of donating part of your liver (which regenerates), you'd be doing something low-risk (the person on the receiving end takes all the risk) and you'd literally save someone's life (mine, in this case). It makes a big difference between getting on a waiting list and bringing in your own donor.

I watched "Seven Pounds" on a plane somewhere when it first came out, it's an absolutely amazing movie, very thought-provoking, and I felt that the way in which it reworked old literary themes: "fate" in the form of accidents, redemption, atonement, love, how far  you would go for someone you truly love, was nothing short of brilliant. Last summer I watched it again with my daughter and immediately thought of you, Mary. The desperate need of someone you know/love for an organ makes you think in very surreal ways: I was driving home tonight and heard on the radio that the designer Alexander Mc Queen was today found dead and that the cause of death seems to be suicide. My immediate thought in a sort of surreal and detached way was "40 years old! Fuck! He could have at least donated his organs first, what a terrible waste". I know, it's an awful way of thinking, but there you go....And of course I feel deeply sorry for him and his loved ones....but that thought came only second.

Call me crazy, but I just think this thread should be above the Obama one.  ;)

More chance of this thread making a difference, too...


'Yes We Can', indeed.....

Amen!

SweetVirginia wrote on Feb 12^th, 2010 at 3:45pm:

Call me crazy, but I just think this thread should be above the Obama one.  ;)

Word, Sister!!! Word!!!!

LJ.

SweetVirginia wrote on Feb 12^th, 2010 at 3:45pm:

I just think this thread should be above the Obama one

I just think this thread should be above all the other ones

In fact it is, I think it will be a better idea to replace the one in the "important" zone with this one instead of having that forwarder there

;)

Voodoo Chile in Wonderland wrote on Feb 13^th, 2010 at 10:13am:

In fact it is, I think it will be a better idea to replace the one in the "important" zone with this one instead of having that forwarder there ;)

Great Idea Voo!!!!!
Sending special hugs to you, Mary on Valentine's Day!
Hang tough...like  :wtf1

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/LadyJane1/SparklyHearts.gif

xoxo
LJ.

We left both, even that one of them is just a forwarder to the oher but it's signed by the three of us

Thank you so much, Voodoo, and SV, Hansie, Jostorm, LadyJane and Gazza. You all know what a desperate situation I'm in, and you've touched my heart with this.

Happy Valentine's Day To YOU!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x2/GotToRollMe/YoureMyHeart.jpg

Just read the newer news :) SO happy!
Keep on keeping on sister, everything will be alright  8-)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/liver-transplant/

Anyone can request an appointment at Mayo Clinic. If a physician referral is required, our appointment staff will advise you. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

U.S. Patients
Arizona
800-446-2279 (toll-free)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time, Monday through Friday

Florida
Call the Transplant Center at:
904-956-3309
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday
E-mail: [email protected]

Minnesota
507-538-3270
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time, Monday through Thursday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday


http://www.mayoclinic.org/liver-transplant/appointments.html

HOW TO CONTACT THE NEW YORK ORGAN DONOR NETWORK


Address:
New York Organ Donor Network
460 West 34th Street,
15th Floor,
New York, NY 10001-3406


Phone:
646-291-4444

24-hour Referral Line/Public Information:
800-GIFT-4-NY (800-443-8469) Fax: (646) 291-4600

Fax:
646-291-4600

Email:
[email protected]

http://www.donatelifeny.org/contact/information.html

http://www.donatelifeny.org/about/our_partners.html

http://www.dadamo.com/bloodtype_O.htm

http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver4.htm

Hang on Girl

Thanks, RubyLyn!  :)

Keep your spirits up, kiddo.

A lot of potential new openings have sprung up for you since you went 'public' with this, and no doubt there will be more. On the law of averages, one of them will surely work out.

Things certainly aren't as bleak as they seemed a month ago.

Gazza wrote on Feb 17^th, 2010 at 9:42am:

Keep your spirits up, kiddo. A lot of potential new openings have sprung up for you since you went 'public' with this, and no doubt there will be more. On the law of averages, one of them will surely work out. Things certainly aren't as bleak as they seemed a month ago.

Thanks, Gazz. I'm trying to keep my spirits up, but it ain't easy. You and LJ have kept me going too.
Don't know what I'd do without you.

Keep the faith 'got to roll me' and you have to stay positive! Let the Stones be your inspiration, they beat the survival odds and you will too.    ;)

i have hep C too, but i have been lucky that my liver is doing ok. unfortunately, it also means i can't donate.  i sincerely hope you get what you need, and in a timely fashion.  it must be terrifying, and my heart goes out to you.

oldtimer wrote on Feb 18^th, 2010 at 4:28pm:

i have hep C too, but i have been lucky that my liver is doing ok. unfortunately, it also means i can't donate.  i sincerely hope you get what you need, and in a timely fashion.  it must be terrifying, and my heart goes out to you.

Thanks, oldtimer.

I've asked Gazza to move the Brian, Superblow and Bit Torrent threads back up here. I felt kind of bad that they'd been moved to the "regular" area because I know they mean a lot to other board members, and I didn't want to monopolize the "important" topics at their expense.

I know Gazza and Voodoo only had my best interests at heart, and I'll always be grateful to them for giving my thread so much attention. You'll forever have a special place in my heart - but you already knew that. :)

There are 'important' threads, and then there are 'important' threads, and this is THE most important thread ever on this site IMO. The only way we want this to fall off the front page is when the volume of posts which have been congratulating you on your successful transplant start to wane.

Keep your spirits up, although I know its not easy. Things are less bleak than a month ago when you went public with your situation, but we won't (and can't) get complacent about this. The more people who can make a contribution or come up with an idea, then the more likely there will be an opening for you.

Bless your heart, G. I am humbled and grateful to have you as a friend. You give me hope.

Keep your hopes up GTRM!  Like Gazza said, the more people know, the more people get tested or convince people they may not even know to get tested the more likely finding a donor is going to be.  Stay strong hon!

No doubt G!!! We all love M and whatever it takes to make her well again....

"There are 'important' threads, and then there are 'important' threads, and this is THE most important thread ever on this site IMO"

and no truer words ever in response Gazza...........Keep the faith GTRM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More prayers for my favorite girl in the world. Keith Richards ain't got shit on you.

Just a little bump up, folks.

Any offers of help would be greatly appreciated.

Any new developements ?

Still dying...

:(

Keep your spirits up, hon.

We can't get too complacent about this, folks. If anyone can offer some help or advice in getting Mary registered for treatment at a facility in states other than New York or New Jersey, it could well end up making a big difference.

Please do what you can. Thanks.

Mary:  fill out this form and hit submit

http://www.unos.org/contact.asp


United Network for Organ Sharing
Data Requests:
(804) 782-4876
(804) 782-4994
Submit request online

Patient/Public Info:
(888) 894-6361
Contact Patient Services


*****Also, this place is claiming that its wait time 1/6 of other hospitals (Oschner Transplant center in Louisiana)
http://www.ochsner.org/services/multi_organ_transplant/?gclid=CLe3xtCku6ACFRJinAodfDzWSw ****

Nice post, tumbled. Thanks.

I have been given more infomration today:

Hello Ms. C____,

Thank you so much for your interest in transplant.  Waitlist times for liver transplant vary from center to center.  The issue would be the average waitlist time at any center regardless of the area.  Your friend can look at average waitlist time by transplant center at


http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/latestData/stateData.asp?type=center and at the SRTR site http://www.ustransplant.org/csr/current/csrDefault.aspx



Choose your friend's state, and then look at statistics by transplant center and by organ.  However, please be advised that the wait time for any organ also has to do with the medical condition of the candidate, the medical condition of the other patients listed in that area and the blood types and other characteristics of the donors that become available.  Another key factor to consider is the rate of donation in a particular area.  So simply looking at geographic area may not necessarily mean that a candidate will be transplanted faster.  



I encourage you to review this page on organ allocation at www.transplantliving.org for further information.  Also, please see the MELD Brochure at unos.org;   http://www.unos.org/SharedContentDocuments/MELD_PELD(1).pdf



I hope this information has been helpful.  If you have further questions, please call the UNOS Patient Services Line at 888/894-6361.  



I hope that this information has been helpful.  





Freda M. Wilkins MSW

UNOS - Senior Patient Services Coordinator

[email protected]

www.unos.org

There are 198 people waiting for livers in New Jersey (http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/latestData/rptData.asp )

There are 194 people waiting for livers in Virginia (http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/latestData/rptData.asp )

There are only 155 people waiting for livers in Louisiana (http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/latestData/rptData.asp)

Florida has 358 liver people ( http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/latestData/rptData.asp )

Mary read above.  Also

sorry to deluge you with info but another email came in from the same lady:


You’re very welcome.  I hope this is helpful.  Your friend should also be aware that she can be listed at more than one transplant center (Multiple Listing).  She would have to be able to reach the other transplant centers in a timely manner should she be called for a transplant and she would need to be able to stay in that area for awhile, possibly both before and after transplant.  Ideally, she should also have support persons who could stay in the area with her.  


http://www.unos.org/PoliciesandBylaws2/policies/pdfs/policy_4.pdf



Please see policy sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 for more information.



Again, I hope this is helpful.

Yet another Email from Freda:

She needs to contact each program herself and request to be listed there.  Multiple Listing is done at the discretion of the individual program.  So they can refuse to list her.  They can also require that she do additional testing, or repeat testing that was already done.  Your friends insurance may not cover multiple listing, or they may not pay for duplicate testing.  Multiple Listing does not have to occur in another state.   For example, there are 15 transplant programs in NY State.  Your friend could list at all of them if she wanted to.  However, listing in a lot of programs in one area may not benefit her a great deal, since she would be competing in the same pool of organs.  She could list in areas where she has friends that she could stay with – for example she could list in DC where you are and in NY, or for that matter she could list in Hawaii J!!  Anyway, you get the idea.  



Most people who multiple list research the programs which have the shortest wait times and list there.  However, keep in mind.  Your friend has to be able to  travel to that center on a moments notice.  Livers are only viable for 12 to 18 hours.  The questions are  

(1)    Can you afford to get a flight someplace or to even travel by car within a couple of hours.  

(2)    If your friend has a complicated transplant and has to stay out of her area for several months

(3)    Does your friend have someone who can manage her responsibilities at home for a couple of months if necessary

(4)    Can your friend afford to travel back and forth as much as weekly for a while

(5)    Your friend will need a support person wherever she is.  Is there someone who can put their life on hold to be with her for as long as it takes, if she is out of her area



Also remember that transplant wait times are aggregates/averages, so while a center’s times may be excellent, this does not guarantee that your friend will be transplanted in the time mentioned on a website.  



It’s very easy to become excited by ‘the transplant’.  But you must carefully consider all that is involved in listing more than a few hours from home.  

Thank you so much, Tumbled. That was so very thoughtful of you. There's some good information and resources there, and I'll make good use of both.

xox,
M.

My thoughts and Prayers are still with you My RO Friend, I wish I could do more!
I read this thread everyday, hoping to hear or read the news we all want to hear, it will happen.
I want so badly to reach out to you and help. I read your earlier response "Still Dying" and  I would also suggest to you "Still Living"! I mean that in a most sincere way. Don't get down, That must be your Motivation, please.
Sorry for being preachy. Hang in there friend Spring is right around the corner, new life, and faith is right around the corner.

Sure hope that you will get some good news very soon.

Stay strong M!  :-*

Hang in there Mary. I'd give you my liver....But I don't think Keith Richards would want my liver. It's slightly used.

MARY~
I keep trying to send you a PM and it keeps not letting me!

I know you must be SUPER busy.  

If I can help you in any way please let me know. I think its going to be tough to get registered at multiple places. Freda was saying that some people have a social worker do this for them but I don't know how someone would hire someone to do that sort of work. I can ask her if you need help with that.

Please feel free talk to her directly she is with UNOS. Freda M. Wilkins [[email protected]]

She knows the process and can provide you with any info you need.

Tumbled wrote on Mar 17^th, 2010 at 10:29am:

MARY~ I keep trying to send you a PM and it keeps not letting me! I know you must be SUPER busy.   If I can help you in any way please let me know. I think its going to be tough to get registered at multiple places. Freda was saying that some people have a social worker do this for them but I don't know how someone would hire someone to do that sort of work. I can ask her if you need help with that. Please feel free talk to her directly she is with UNOS. Freda M. Wilkins [[email protected]] She knows the process and can provide you with any info you need.

Tumbled, I got all your PM's and sent you a couple of replies. Hope you got 'em. It would probably be better to email me. Just hit the email button at the bottom of any of my posts. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the research you've been doing for me. By the time I get home from whatever I have to do every day, I'm too exhausted to even go online most times. You're one of my best angels. Bless your heart.

xox,
M.

Kilroy wrote on Mar 16^th, 2010 at 2:10am:

My thoughts and Prayers are still with you My RO Friend, I wish I could do more! I read this thread everyday, hoping to hear or read the news we all want to hear, it will happen. I want so badly to reach out to you and help. I read your earlier response "Still Dying" and  I would also suggest to you "Still Living"! I mean that in a most sincere way. Don't get down, That must be your Motivation, please. Sorry for being preachy. Hang in there friend Spring is right around the corner, new life, and faith is right around the corner.

Aw, thanks Kilroy. I know there are other people like yourself on the board who have their own health concerns, and it means a lot that you're in my corner. However, I was trying to make a point - if there are any young (20-60 y.o.) people on this board who could help me, now would be the time to do so. The more time that goes by, the weaker I get. This is an operation where you'd be giving me a small part of yourself that will regenerate in three months. There have only been two known donor deaths in this country since 1996. The worst you're looking at is a few weeks of discomfort. I would cover all your travel and hotel espenses, as well as miscellaneous stuff.

Without my own personal donor, the odds of me getting one from a list are virtually nonexistent. Some of you have called me "brave." I am not brave - I am shit-scared that I'm going to die, and on top of that, leave my 88-year-old mother at the mercy of my heartless brother. It means the difference between having me here for her whenever she needs me, for as long as she lives, and spending her last years in a state-run nursing home and dying there alone. I've devoted this part of my life to making sure my mom is as happy as possible, all the time. She deserves it. If you ever met her, you'd know why.

This is a plea. There must be someone on this board who's healthy and fit enough to do this for me. I'm finding out that people are very weird when it comes to this sort of stuff. See, I'm the type of person who would do it in a heartbeat if the situation was reversed, and it's hard for me to imagine that there isn't ONE person on this board who will do it.

I guess it's just easier to post an R.I.P. thread.

People are wondering what state their own liver is in. I would bet. Plus it is a great mystery as to how you get evaluated
as a potential donor. Who does the testing, where, how long do you have to be out for, and how do you sign up.    That's what people need to know.  If we can give them that information it will be easier for people to know how to help.

It seems like the transplant team has to evaluate the donor. Do you have a ' transplant team' Mary yet?

here is the evaulation process  (testing )
http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver4.htm
Criteria

"In the case of liver donation, there are specific health criteria for potential donors. The criteria depends on the transplant center, but here's a list of considerations:

No heart, renal, or liver problems or abnormalities.

No history of deep vein thrombosis or history of bleeding problems.

Negative for Hepatitis B and C and for HIV.

No history of diabetes.

No prior liver surgery.

No alcoholism or frequent and heavy alcohol intake.

No history of cancer.

No psychiatric illness under treatment.

Your height and weight compared to the recipient is "appropriate."

There may be an age limit. One center places it at 45, another at 60. Check with your transplant team.



It looks like Mayo Clinic in Arizona has a lot of experience with living donor transplant!
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2010-sct/5686.html?rss-feedid=1

The first requisite is compatibility of blood group, which is essential.

If you want to become a donor for Mary you HAVE to be from the blood group

                       

                                                  O +

which is statistically the least rare and most common blood group amongst the population. But I believe blood group O- would also be fine (although this one isn't a common one)

Both O+ and O- blood types can donate to someone who is O+.

37.4% of the US population are type O+ and 6.6% are O-, so thats 44%. If we can get someone in one of those two groups to be accepted as a donor, then we're in business.

In the next couple of days, a few of us are going to set up a Facebook group in order to cast the net further for a donor for Mary. When we do, we'll post the link here and on the other Stones message boards and ask everyone who has Facebook to join it and to invite everyone on THEIR friends list to do likewise. Hopefully by doing that we'll increase the chances of finding a donor and/or finding someone who can help get Mary registered at other transplant facilities.

Gazza, you've been my greatest champion. I feel so lucky and so grateful to have you as a friend.
As Johnny Thunders used to say, "You're not a nice guy...You're the NICEST guy."

Mary, I seriously wish I could do it for you, but I have no medical insurance and I cant afford to pay the medical bills, take time off work and not earn an income during the time it takes for the transplant and recovery. I hate to sound cheap but I am supporting 2 kids as a single parent, and none of us have insurance. Actually, we havent had insurance for 18 years (because of a pre-existing condition from when my son was born) we were denied coverage. If I was rich I would do it, but I'm not financially set at all, and if any medical attention is needed down the line, I'm sunk. My friend has cancer, and each treatment is over $65,000 and he's been getting treatments for almost a year. The bills are outrageous even with health insurance, he owes a fortune for all the meds, dr and hospital visits, tests and operations he has needed. It's a damn shame. We really need to reform health care in this country, but I bet Obama's plan will get rejected. I hope he succeeds and people like me will be able to afford it. Sorry Mary, I hope you understand. If someone could volunteer pay for all of it, I'll give it to you if we are a match. I just dont see how its possible the way things are for uninsured people such as myself and 40 million others in the same boat. It's so unfair, if we lived in Canada they would pay for everything for a minimal cost (I have a friend there and she says they pay $15.00 for a Dr. visit and thats it) but they often have to wait for an appointment. How much do you expect it will cost, over $100,000? Sorry Mary, I really feel bad bringing up money at a time when you dont care about that, but how can anyone volunteer without asking?

Gazza wrote on Mar 20^th, 2010 at 1:39pm:

Both O+ and O- blood types can donate to someone who is O+. 37.4% of the US population are type O+ and 6.6% are O-, so thats 44%. If we can get someone in one of those two groups to be accepted as a donor, then we're in business. In the next couple of days, a few of us are going to set up a Facebook group in order to cast the net further for a donor for Mary. When we do, we'll post the link here and on the other Stones message boards and ask everyone who has Facebook to join it and to invite everyone on THEIR friends list to do likewise. Hopefully by doing that we'll increase the chances of finding a donor and/or finding someone who can help get Mary registered at other transplant facilities.

I believe all us who got a page are well available to do this and much more for Mary.
Its the mininum we may do for her. I will do the best I could to help Mary.
Has to find out the right person for her. Altogether we can make it. It'll works it pretty fine.  :)

Girl stay strong. Is this the time which you've really to resist. Go ahead.

Bitch wrote on Mar 21^st, 2010 at 12:05am:

Mary, I seriously wish I could do it for you, but I have no medical insurance and I cant afford to pay the medical bills, take time off work and not earn an income during the time it takes for the transplant and recovery. I hate to sound cheap but I am supporting 2 kids as a single parent, and none of us have insurance. Actually, we havent had insurance for 18 years (because of a pre-existing condition from when my son was born) we were denied coverage. If I was rich I would do it, but I'm not financially set at all, and if any medical attention is needed down the line, I'm sunk. My friend has cancer, and each treatment is over $65,000 and he's been getting treatments for almost a year. The bills are outrageous even with health insurance, he owes a fortune for all the meds, dr and hospital visits, tests and operations he has needed. It's a damn shame. We really need to reform health care in this country, but I bet Obama's plan will get rejected. I hope he succeeds and people like me will be able to afford it. Sorry Mary, I hope you understand. If someone could volunteer pay for all of it, I'll give it to you if we are a match. I just dont see how its possible the way things are for uninsured people such as myself and 40 million others in the same boat. It's so unfair, if we lived in Canada they would pay for everything for a minimal cost (I have a friend there and she says they pay $15.00 for a Dr. visit and thats it) but they often have to wait for an appointment. How much do you expect it will cost, over $100,000? Sorry Mary, I really feel bad bringing up money at a time when you dont care about that, but how can anyone volunteer without asking?

Thanks, Bitch, for reminding me about this aspect.  Actually, my insurance will cover the surgery, and I'm also willing to replenish any lost wages, should the person have to take time off work with no pay (the recovery time is roughly 6 weeks). I'm also willing to pay for plane fare and incidentals should the donor live some distance away. I have a close friend who, although he cannot be a donor, is willing to help me financially. I know you're supporting two teenaged children as a single parent (with no insurance, to boot) so I wouldn't expect you to volunteer. I thank you for your post, though, and for reminding me to include this information.

I'm still praying, I know everything will work out.

Mary I am willing to donate if someone else can pay for it all! Good health but no money, but I'm lucky for the good health part anyway. It's got to be a super expensive operation, though! Clean lifestyle for me ~ I never took many illegal drugs (unless I was offered free lines but it's been a long time since that happened) never did heroin, tried freebasing only once (I knew it was highly addictive so I never did it again) only drink socially a few times a month, exercise at the gym 3x/week, vegetarian/healthy diet, I dont smoke (only an occasional a puff or 2), I'm not on any prescription drugs and overall I'm in excellent shape for my age! So I think I can do it, if you want to arrange for a Dr visit & lab tests, if someone will offer to pay for all of it (sorry about that part). The good news is Obama's health care plan passed and the insurance companys cant deny for pre-existing conditions, OR put a 'cap' on paying for medical costs. That should work out well for me but I dont think it goes into effect until 2014! We dont have that much time!

Wonderful offer and gesture, Ellen. Hope something can come out of it. Are you a compatible blood type?

The fact that the two of you live in the same state is a bonus too.

God Bless you Ellen!!!

I ASK EVERYONE WHO CAN HELP US WITH OUR FACEBOOK EFFORTS TO PLEASE DO SO. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW SHORTLY WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.


Thank you.
LJ.

Fantastic news.  You, bitch, may very well be the ray of sunshine that was needed.  I detect the sweet aroma of hope in the air.

The facebook group has now been set up.

We would ask all of you who are Facebook members to join up, and those who dont to consider joining facebook and doing so.

The link is here - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=106457062716862  (the link only works if you're a FB member)

Direct link here :  'Please Help Our Friend Mary Find A Liver Donor'

If you have a problem with the link a search will find the page - the group name is 'Please Help Our Friend Mary Find A Liver Donor'

Please get the word spread around some more by then inviting the rest of your facebook friends to join, and asking them to do the same to the people on THEIR list, if possible.

We would also ask you to post a message on the 'Whats on Your Mind?' and 'Write something about yourself' parts of your profile page alerting anyone who looks at your profile to this group and asking them to join up, and at least leave it there for a few days if you can.

Additionally, if the info can be posted on other boards too, that would be most helpful.

Thanks everyone.

Gazza wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 11:06am:

Wonderful offer and gesture, Ellen. Hope something can come out of it. Are you a compatible blood type? The fact that the two of you live in the same state is a bonus too.

Oh there is hope in New Jersey.  Can't think of better word"s than Gazza's ,Ellen!!!

It's on Shidoobee but I'm having trouble getting the entire link to post so I've asked for Doug's help.
We can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great work Gazza!!!!!

UPDATE: DOUG GOT THE LINK UP AND WORKING. THANKS MY FRIEND! SHIDOOBEE!!!!

Bitch wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 9:36am:

Mary I am willing to donate if someone else can pay for it all! Good health but no money, but I'm lucky for the good health part anyway. It's got to be a super expensive operation, though! Clean lifestyle for me ~ I never took many illegal drugs (unless I was offered free lines but it's been a long time since that happened) never did heroin, tried freebasing only once (I knew it was highly addictive so I never did it again) only drink socially a few times a month, exercise at the gym 3x/week, vegetarian/healthy diet, I dont smoke (only an occasional a puff or 2), I'm not on any prescription drugs and overall I'm in excellent shape for my age! So I think I can do it, if you want to arrange for a Dr visit & lab tests, if someone will offer to pay for all of it (sorry about that part). The good news is Obama's health care plan passed and the insurance companys cant deny for pre-existing conditions, OR put a 'cap' on paying for medical costs. That should work out well for me but I dont think it goes into effect until 2014! We dont have that much time!

Bitch, I always knew you were a stand-up gal, but you just knocked my socks off. I've PM'ed you with some info about where I'm at now, and also links to information about the surgery. Whether we wind up sharing livers or not, you'll always be VERY special to me. Bless your Stones-lovin' heart!

Gazza wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 4:55pm:

The facebook group has now been set up. We would ask all of you who are Facebook members to join up, and those who dont to consider joining facebook and doing so. The link is here - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=106457062716862  (the link only works if you're a FB member) If you have a problem with the link a search will find the page - the group name is 'Please Help Our Friend Mary Find A Liver Donor' Please get the word spread around some more by then inviting the rest of your facebook friends to join, and asking them to do the same to the people on THEIR list, if possible. We would also ask you to post a message on the 'Whats on Your Mind?' and 'Write something about yourself' parts of your profile page alerting anyone who looks at your profile to this group and asking them to join up, and at least leave it there for a few days if you can. Additionally, if the info can be posted on other boards too, that would be most helpful. Thanks everyone.

Gary, you have single-handedly done more for me than anyone as far as getting the word out, and you've also been a GREAT friend to me. I'm overwhelmed by this. Bless you and the good people who've helped you with this Facebook page.

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 7:44pm:

Gazza wrote on Mar 22nd, 2010 at 11:06am: Wonderful offer and gesture, Ellen. Hope something can come out of it. Are you a compatible blood type? The fact that the two of you live in the same state is a bonus too. Oh there is hope in New Jersey.  Can't think of better word"s than Gazza's ,Ellen!!!

Hope in New Joisey - now THAT's a concept!  [smiley=laugh.gif]

LadyJane wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 8:02pm:

It's on Shidoobee but I'm having trouble getting the entire link to post so I've asked for Doug's help. We can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great work Gazza!!!!! UPDATE: DOUG GOT THE LINK UP AND WORKING. THANKS MY FRIEND! SHIDOOBEE!!!!

You, my friend, are my SPECIAL angel. http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x2/GotToRollMe/angel017.gif

GotToRollMe wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 9:35pm:

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Mar 22nd, 2010 at 7:44pm: Gazza wrote on Mar 22nd, 2010 at 11:06am: Wonderful offer and gesture, Ellen. Hope something can come out of it. Are you a compatible blood type? The fact that the two of you live in the same state is a bonus too. Oh there is hope in New Jersey.  Can't think of better word"s than Gazza's ,Ellen!!! Hope in New Joisey - now THAT's a concept!  [smiley=laugh.gif]

Well New Jersey is the Land of Hope and Dreams :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXGNq2-S06I

This is great news!  Hopefully you two are a match and all goes perfectly!

Thanks to everyone who signed up so far.

We would continue to encourage people to do so and not be complacent.

Whilst it's great that Ellen (Bitch) has kindly offered her help, there's still no guarantee that any potential donor will definitely be accepted as there would be a series of tests and evaluations to go through. It's therefore essential that we have as many options for Mary to fall back on as we can possibly get, in the event of any setbacks.

Please note that signing up doesn't necesarily mean that you're making some kind of physical or personal commitment, it's more about making as many people as possible aware that our friend needs help and hopefully someone out there that YOU know will be in a position to do something.

Keep spreading the word, folks and ask your friends to do the same.

GotToRollMe wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2010 at 9:35pm:

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Mar 22nd, 2010 at 7:44pm: Gazza wrote on Mar 22nd, 2010 at 11:06am: Wonderful offer and gesture, Ellen. Hope something can come out of it. Are you a compatible blood type? The fact that the two of you live in the same state is a bonus too. Oh there is hope in New Jersey.  Can't think of better word"s than Gazza's ,Ellen!!! Hope in New Joisey - now THAT's a concept!  [smiley=laugh.gif]

Jersey girls rock! Mary I sent you an email. Let me know when. And is anyone volunteering to help with the medical expenses? Maybe that should be an option on the Facebook link, requesting monetary donations to help fund this thing. Last time I went to a specialist they charged $800.00 for a five minute examination, so my biggest fear is that it's going to end up costing a fortune, creating deep debt that's impossible to get out of. Maybe somebody reading this works for an insurance company and they can advise us about getting coverage. Anyone reading this in the health insurance business? If I can get insurance coverage now, before we go ahead with this, that would be the best way to go. If we start doing anything before I get insurance coverage, than it becomes a pre-existing condition and it wont be covered. Can someone in the insurance/medical field explain how this works please? Thanks.   

We've got about 230 members in the Facebook group but WE NEED MORE!!
Please follow the link and help us get the word out!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=106457062716862

Thanks,
LJ.


 

between us and sdb, surely we can do this!!! i am very proud of our community right now.  you guys rock! i am o- blood type but i have hep c....dammit!

You guys are the BEST. It blows my mind that you've done this for me. Gazza, you've been my most ardent champion, and there have been times when you really picked me up when I was down. I'm really touched by the time and effiort you've put into this. All the people who helped get this together along with Gazza - LJ, SV, Jo, and Meg - I don't take a bit of this for granted and am grateful to all of you.

ah i have hep-c too, hope you get what you need...

I check this thread each day to see if the search is over and a compatible donor has been found.  

Ginda wrote on Apr 6^th, 2010 at 8:02pm:

I check this thread each day to see if the search is over and a compatible donor has been found.

Me 2  I feel so helpless. I have to rely on prayer.

any news of a match with ellen?

you should set up a pay pal account to solicit donations. you may not get thousands, but i'm sure every little bit helps. on second thought, scratch that...paypal charges too much.

Starbuck wrote on Apr 11^th, 2010 at 7:53pm:

any news of a match with ellen? you should set up a pay pal account to solicit donations. you may not get thousands, but i'm sure every little bit helps. on second thought, scratch that...paypal charges too much.

Just waiting to be tested to see if we're a 'match'. GTRM is going to set it up and tell me when, and I think it should be soon.

Ellen, thank you for stepping up to be tested. You are amazing.

xoxo
SV

What SV said. You're an incredible person Ellen. Thanks so much for doing this!  :)

Good luck to both of you. I hope everything works out well.

Bitch wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 6:36am:

Starbuck wrote on Apr 11th, 2010 at 7:53pm: any news of a match with ellen? you should set up a pay pal account to solicit donations. you may not get thousands, but i'm sure every little bit helps. on second thought, scratch that...paypal charges too much. Just waiting to be tested to see if we're a 'match'. GTRM is going to set it up and tell me when, and I think it should be soon.

If your liver is as wonderful as your heart clearly is, Ellen, you should be a great match.

God Bless you Ellen.

LJ.

Gazza wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 10:02am:

If your liver is as wonderful as your heart clearly is, Ellen, you should be a great match.

My sentiments exactly. Ellen, you have the heart of a lion. Ain't nothin' like a Jersey Girl.
It shouldn't be too long before I can set things up. I have to see my doctor and also go back to Montefiore next week, so I should know shortly thereafter.

God Bless You Ellen!

I hope the two of you are perfect matches.

GotToRollMe wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 1:33pm:

Gazza wrote on Apr 12th, 2010 at 10:02am: If your liver is as wonderful as your heart clearly is, Ellen, you should be a great match. My sentiments exactly. Ellen, you have the heart of a lion. Ain't nothin' like a Jersey Girl. It shouldn't be too long before I can set things up. I have to see my doctor and also go back to Montefiore next week, so I should know shortly thereafter.

how true, us Jersey chiks fucking rock... i think mary is going to get what she needs very soon...

ok here is a Jersey girls story, im up in CT at a bar in the Mohegan sun this weekend with my sister, talking to this guy from Boston, at the end of the night he tell us, you two have changed my opinion about Jersey girls...i thought you were all like snookie... LMFAO

God Bless You Ellen!
  You are fantastic girl!

This is really great

May God's favor shine brightly on all of you!!

Bring it Back A-Liver!
A-Liver Than You'll Ever Be!

Yeas, those are Stones boots with the IVE sound but you also spell it the same way with the IV sound.  ::)

Bitch wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 5:01pm:

Bring it Back A-Liver! A-Liver Than You'll Ever Be! Yeas, those are Stones boots with the IVE sound but you also spell it the same way with the IV sound.  ::)

Well let's hope that both you and mary are liver than you've ever been and we can all get our Ya-Ya's out again. :willya

Bitch wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 5:01pm:

Bring it Back A-Liver! A-Liver Than You'll Ever Be! Yeas, those are Stones boots with the IVE sound but you also spell it the same way with the IV sound.  ::)

How about "Got Liver If You Want It"?

Was away for a week. What fantastic news. Ellen, you truly are one of a kind!

May the match be perfect, keeping my fingers, toes and ovaries crossed for that!!!


                                                                    [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Much love to Ellen!

And Much Love to Mary!  

And much love to you, SW. You keep me up when I'm feelin' down.
And much love to everyone else who have been in my corner. I'm a lucky kid.

God Bless you both...

God bless you Ellen and also Mary! You both deserve all the best.
Mary your heart is always more warm and great. No news yet?
My thoughts are for you Jersey's girls.
Mary you're a great person and friend. Thanks

I had a chat with Mary today. She is feeling hopeful after a trip to Montefiore Hospital yesterday. She met an Angel on the way. A man named Angel who might just be an angel. So we have some reasons to be hopeful. I am writing this post on Mary's behalf as she must save her strength. She is very grateful to each of you who has supported her and wished her well. Please keep praying and sending good thoughts and positive vibes.

God Bless you all for helping my Friend.

xoxo
LJ.

Thanks for keeping us informed, LadyJane. Sending good vibes from this side of the big water.

I'm going to post more in this thread when I have something concrete. For now, I can tell you that I met a man named Angel yesterday who turned out to be a real angel. He's offered to be a donor - he's 29, never done drugs, doesn't drink, and is in great health. He really wants to do this for me. A complete stranger wants to save my life - something my own brother wouldn't do.

However, I'm getting mixed information from the medical establishment regarding how sick I have to be before I can get a transplant - apparently the MELD score (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) is different in every state. In New York it's 25; in Florida it's 15. The liver expert doctor told me that blood type doesn't matter, while everywhere else I've researched says it's the first criterion in donor compatibility. And now he wants to put me on Interferon. I dunno.

Ellen, for all I know this man may not be compatible with me. I have to go back to the hospital this coming Friday, and I'm going to see what I can do about getting you guys tested. I will keep you posted as to all aspects. You've been very patient, and I appreciate it. I wish I had more news for you, but so far this is it. Fingers crossed, kid!

Fingers crossed and continued thoughts and prayers for you Mary. I can't imagine how I would be able to handle something like this. God only knows how you are. But we're rooting for you that's for sure.

GotToRollMe wrote on Apr 25^th, 2010 at 2:13pm:

I'm going to post more in this thread when I have something concrete. For now, I can tell you that I met a man named Angel yesterday who turned out to be a real angel. He's offered to be a donor - he's 29, never done drugs, doesn't drink, and is in great health. He really wants to do this for me. A complete stranger wants to save my life - something my own brother wouldn't do. However, I'm getting mixed information from the medical establishment regarding how sick I have to be before I can get a transplant - apparently the MELD score (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) is different in every state. In New York it's 25; in Florida it's 15. The liver expert doctor told me that blood type doesn't matter, while everywhere else I've researched says it's the first criterion in donor compatibility. And now he wants to put me on Interferon. I dunno. Ellen, for all I know this man may not be compatible with me. I have to go back to the hospital this coming Friday, and I'm going to see what I can do about getting you guys tested. I will keep you posted as to all aspects. You've been very patient, and I appreciate it. I wish I had more news for you, but so far this is it. Fingers crossed, kid!

Your liver doctor is a hepatologist and not just a gastro right ???  that sucks about the issues with the MELD score, i was wondering about that...

If they are talking about putting you on interfuron you must still have hep-c, if you do a transplant and still have hep-c the new liver will get infected as well ... so im guessing you never treated for the hepatitis????  you can treat now but with the stage of your liver damage it will be rough... do you have any idea what genotype you are?  If you are type 2 or 3 the chances of clearing the hepatitis with the current treatment is about 80%...  

this is a good site for info about hep-c...http://www.janis7hepc.com/

and i just want to put it out there, if ANYONE has EVER used IV drugs GET TESTED ... NOW.... i got tested about 6 years ago because some people i know who were past IV drug users were all hep-c positive, i have stage 2 liver damage (stage 4 is cirrosis), if you don't know you have it, you cant try and get rid of it and if you drink with it, your liver damage can happen much quicker...

Thanks to Lady Jane and Mary for the news.
We all are with you Mary. hoping (?) no waiting to see you still here for long time longer.
But watch out with interferone. I dont think is correct use it, seeing your situation.
I wish you all my wishes for your visit of today.
Keep on rolling

I cannot seem to locate the information on here this morning, but isn't Bernard Fowler on tour? If he is appearing near your town, make the effort to go see the gig and try to get his attention turned onto this website for help. It can't hurt to go and spread the word some. We never know who might be listening.

Steel Wheels
'Rolling for some Help!"

keefchik wrote on Apr 28^th, 2010 at 2:50pm:

Your liver doctor is a hepatologist and not just a gastro right ???  that sucks about the issues with the MELD score, i was wondering about that... If they are talking about putting you on interfuron you must still have hep-c, if you do a transplant and still have hep-c the new liver will get infected as well ... so im guessing you never treated for the hepatitis????  you can treat now but with the stage of your liver damage it will be rough... do you have any idea what genotype you are?  If you are type 2 or 3 the chances of clearing the hepatitis with the current treatment is about 80%...   this is a good site for info about hep-c...http://www.janis7hepc.com/ and i just want to put it out there, if ANYONE has EVER used IV drugs GET TESTED ... NOW.... i got tested about 6 years ago because some people i know who were past IV drug users were all hep-c positive, i have stage 2 liver damage (stage 4 is cirrosis), if you don't know you have it, you cant try and get rid of it and if you drink with it, your liver damage can happen much quicker...

He's a liver specialist - a hepatologist. Montefiore has an entire wing dedicated to liver disease. I had to reschedule today's appointment tp early June. My hepatitis was already advanced to cirrhosis when I was diagnosed, keefchik, so at this stage of the game I think interferon would only make it feel a bit better and even lower my MELD - which, frankly, I don't need. I want to be healthy enough to live through surgery, so I'm really better off just letting it get a little worse until I get to a MELD of 15, when I'd be eligible for a transplant in Florida.

So far, the people whom I've talked to who've had it done have all had to take the bull by the horns and get things done despite their hepatologist's advice. Although I still have hepatitis, the new liver may not become infected. There are drugs available to help prevent reinfection.  Even if it does, hopefully I can get 20 years out of it, which is all I really need. I'm in my early 50's now.

I just want to enjoy this weekend and take a few days off from all this. I'm unbelievably exhausted from dealing with this every day. It's like a 24-hour-a-day job that never ends.

Birthday weekend too. Enjoy it!

Happy Birthday GTRM. Enjoy it. :booze

Get some rest and have some fun.

ok yea i was jus checking i figured with your sitch you would have to be seeing a hepa DR and not just a regular GI but you'd be surprised i have talked to people with advance liver disease and some are still just seeing a gastro...

AND YES you are RIGHT if you get a new liver, it will take a while for the hep to get it, and you could treat then with probably better results and be able to tolerate the treatment better than now.... and next year they are coming out with a protease inhibitor drug to be added to the standard treatment of interfuron & riba and the odds of clearing with this new drug added are WAY better than standard interfuron & riba alone...

So, do WHATEVER YOU CAN to get the old liver out and a new one in asap ... i wish you all the best, stay strong, drink lots of water, keep taking the milk thistle, and watch the diet, very low sodium/iron, super low fat, no refined sugars, etc, im sure you know i just cant shut the fuck up sorry lol... and ya get as much rest as possible

also, people can live for YEARS with cirrosis, dont give up hope, whatever you do...may the good lord shine a light on you, you have alot of people praying for you right now...

oh and btw HAPPY BDAY my taurus sister!!  today was my birthday, had a good one, hope you have a good day too!

Happy Birthday to both of Yall.................Now Blow out the Candles.

This thread is breaking my heart.
I'm SO sorry you are suffering.
Please feel the collective hug from ALL of us, both of you.
Be Keith-like and look Hep in the face and say Fuck You.  :wtf1

hugs,
LJ.

I say FUCK YOU to my hep every day of my life lol... got to scrape that shit right off your shoes.. i try and be ok but sometimes im not, i worry alot, i could be in Mare's situation any day now, im a bit younger and pretty lucky so far with my liver damage being minimal which is fucking mind blowing considering the way i used to drink.. but the hep gets stronger as your body gets weaker (i.e. OLDER) im 48 now, who knows what my liver wil be like in few years... its fucked up... and the thing about liver failure is alot of the time you dont know its happening until its too late...

Enjoy your B-Day Mary!

keefchik wrote on Apr 30^th, 2010 at 10:07pm:

ok yea i was jus checking i figured with your sitch you would have to be seeing a hepa DR and not just a regular GI but you'd be surprised i have talked to people with advance liver disease and some are still just seeing a gastro... AND YES you are RIGHT if you get a new liver, it will take a while for the hep to get it, and you could treat then with probably better results and be able to tolerate the treatment better than now.... and next year they are coming out with a protease inhibitor drug to be added to the standard treatment of interfuron & riba and the odds of clearing with this new drug added are WAY better than standard interfuron & riba alone... So, do WHATEVER YOU CAN to get the old liver out and a new one in asap ... i wish you all the best, stay strong, drink lots of water, keep taking the milk thistle, and watch the diet, very low sodium/iron, super low fat, no refined sugars, etc, im sure you know i just cant shut the fuck up sorry lol... and ya get as much rest as possible also, people can live for YEARS with cirrosis, dont give up hope, whatever you do...may the good lord shine a light on you, you have alot of people praying for you right now...

Thanks, keefchik. You're a good soul, and I appreciate the info. I hope you've been getting treatment, because I've heard of people who've been treated and cured, but you have to get to it before it does too much damage. I'm praying for you, kid. And Happy Birthday to you too! All the coolest people were born in May (or so I've heard).   ;D

Just stoping by to add my 2 cents. My friend's boyfriend was treated using platelet transfusions, it helped him a great deal. His numbers were between 8-12 and unfortunately he did not qualify for the transplant, so this is a tricky situation. If the numbers are too high you dont qualify and if too low you dont qualify either. You've got to constantly be on top of it and take the bull by the horns. Sorry you have to go through this GTRM, and Keefchik you seem to have the right attitude!  

i treated once about 5 years ago with interfuron and a drug call viramadine, it was a clinical trial, i decided to do it because the standard treatment of interfuron and riba only has about a 50% chance of working in most people who have hep-c unless you are genotype 2 or 3... they cant tell what type i am, had a million tests and they cant figure it out... anyway i did the trial because it was free and the viramadine was very similar to the ribavivarin but riba cause severe anemia in alot of people, they were testing the viramadine to see if it worked as well as the riba without the anemia... which it does not, clearance rate was only 30-40%. which is why it was never FDA approved, its fucking useless.

Anyway, i had a liver biopsy 6 years ago and just had another one this past December and my liver damage has actually improved a little bit, i think its maybe because im taking milk thistle and not drinking as much...plus I completely cut out fast food and i eat very little red meat and lots of organic foods.. and my doctor thinks i can wait for the FDA to approve the new protease inhibitor drug addition to the treatment, the odds of clearing with the added drug are WAY better than now and they think the treatment time might be shorter as well... standard treatment right now for type 2-3 is 6 months, for anyone else its a year... thats an injection of interfuron once a week (ya maybe since i got this from a needle i will get rid of it from a needle as well HAAAAAAA) and the riba pills twice a day...

ok thas my hep-c info for the day, i'll shut the fuck up now...

Has anyone heard how Mary is doing, is there any updates?

Nothing to report. I have to get the compatibility bloodwork done, then I just have to get a bit sicker until I'm eligible to get a transplant.

I think about you all the time Mary!

Yer pal,
Steel Wheels

Steel Wheels wrote on May 17^th, 2010 at 10:00pm:

I think about you all the time Mary! Yer pal, Steel Wheels

Nice sidebar message, young sir!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Yo, GTRM-
Just saying 'hi' here, and I've been reading through this thread and you seem such a cool and lovely woman, with heart, brains and GUTS.

Just wishing you, again, all the best.

And happy 'Exile' day to you as well!

Peace, love and hairspray!  (And gold rings on ya, too!).

Gazza wrote on May 18^th, 2010 at 12:07pm:

Steel Wheels wrote on May 17th, 2010 at 10:00pm: I think about you all the time Mary! Yer pal, Steel Wheels Nice sidebar message, young sir!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Indeed - didn't even see that til you pointed it out!
SW is the man who'll give ya roses when ya ain't got none... :)
Thanks to Mr. Yeats, as well!

GotToRollMe wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2010 at 5:03pm:

My Fellow Stones Fans, This is not easy for me, but I'm at the point where I can't worry about being judged for something stupid I did almost 20 years ago. I recently found out I have Hepatitis, and it's at the point now where I need to publicly solicit donors. If I can't find a compatible donor, chances are I'll have less than a year or two to live. I'm already on medication that is making me feel ill every day. The way a living donation works is they find a compatible donor (same blood type, body mass index, etc.) in good health and take a piece or "lobe" from their liver and transplant it. The liver actually regenerates and grows back to its original state within a few months. They take the entire "bad" liver out of the recipient and replace it with this "lobe," and if I'm lucky my body won't reject it and I'd get to live a normal lifespan, albeit on regenerative drugs. I'd be ecstatic just to have another 10 years at this point. You see, I look after my mom, who is 88 years old. The thought of leaving her here alone is more than I can bear. Most of my family are gone, and the few who are left cannot care for her. I have no family I can solicit as donors either. Last year, there were something like 6,500 transplants. There are currently 17,000 people on national waiting lists. I live in the New York area, so my chances of getting a compatible donor are slim to none. My blood type is O+. I'm asking everyone I know, because the more people who are aware of this, the better my chances are. Please don't turn this into a discussion thread. If you can help or know someone who can, PM me. Here is a link explaining living liver donation: http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/info/transplant/ http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver.htm Thanks to the mods for allowing me to make this public plea. If you know me personally, you know how hard it is for me to "go public" with this. I'm putting my faith in the Stones Community.

i wish you the best ... i had hep twice... serum of course as late seventies thats all that defined the two... serum and infectious. no "C" no type 1/2... they have made huge strides where before all there was were gamoglobun (sp) shots...

many have done things at a younger age without thinking twice about the outcome... heck as you know it's amazing some made it out alive... or living for the prgm.... either way hope it all works out for you.
good luck

Thanks, Chevy. When people like you come out and tell me you've had hep, it makes me feel like less of a pariah. Thanks for that, and for your good wishes. It's nice to see you back!

GotToRollMe wrote on May 13^th, 2010 at 3:06am:

... then I just have to get a bit sicker ...

That sucks. Still hoping that it will all work out good for you.

Rolling Hansie wrote on May 22^nd, 2010 at 3:07am:

GotToRollMe wrote on May 13th, 2010 at 3:06am: ... then I just have to get a bit sicker ... That sucks. Still hoping that it will all work out good for you.

Thanks, Hansie.

I haven't been on the site much, but I have read through this thread and I have to admire the courage and spirit you have shown, Mary. All I can say is never give up and I hope that good things will come to you soon.

Trey

Trey Krimsin wrote on May 23^rd, 2010 at 10:11am:

I haven't been on the site much, but I have read through this thread and I have to admire the courage and spirit you have shown, Mary. All I can say is never give up and I hope that good things will come to you soon. Trey

Thank you, Trey. It means a lot.

Never, never give up Mary. You have to go to see the Stones with LJ in the next tour. Is this what you'd promised me... so you have to keep your word. 8-)
Alright? Is this the contract between me and you, dont you remember? :o

Yes, Lantern, hopefully we'll all see them together.  :)

I was playing my geee-tar this week and sending positive musical vibes your way!

Yer pal,
Steel Wheels

Last night we sat around laughin', at all those things that guitar brought
us,
and I laid awake thinkin' about the other things it's brought.
Well tonight I'm takin's requests here in the kitchen,
this one's for you, let me come right out and say,
that if you're lookin' for a sad song, well, I'm not gonna play

GotToRollMe wrote on May 24^th, 2010 at 1:50pm:

Yes, Lantern, hopefully we'll all see them together.  :)

Gotto.. I really wish and would do it together you. Anyway who knows? In the meanwhile I begin to play at the lottery.. so.. I could win.. no one knows the future..
But what I want from you is which is U to be able to see the next Stones' tour.
You'd promised me. Its in our contract. Dont you recall? :)

Yes, Lina. I'm hoping.  :willya

Still keeping my fingers crossed.
Any new developements ?

Rolling Hansie wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2010 at 5:58am:

Still keeping my fingers crossed. Any new developements ?

Not really, Hansie. I've got a lot of stuff ahead of me though.

Let's just hope then that all that stuff ahead will lead to something good.

So did you find a donor match yet? I'm still available for you to set me up with that test!

GTRM,

Hi darlin'.  I'm slowly getting back on the computer and now reading this thread.  I am always wishing you well and keeping you in my prayers.  I have a package to send your way and you are to listen to it loudly to get the full medicinal effect (or is it affect I can't ever get those words straight!) ! :-)  I have strong positive feelings that all of your diligence is going to pay off.  Hang tough like your pal Keef.  All time is on your side.

I love you.

Your RO sister,
Marthapril

Bitch wrote on Jun 25^th, 2010 at 7:31am:

So did you find a donor match yet? I'm still available for you to set me up with that test!

I haven't been able to start checking my three volunteers yet, Ellen. I'll let you know privately as soon as I do, and we'll set something up at your convenience. Whether we're a match or not, you'll always be a hero to me.

This was a little encouraging to read - especially since I'd been researching the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville two days ago: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100624/people_nm/us_allman

David Crosby and Phil Lesh have also had hep c and had liver transplants and are doing great...

hang in my dear...

been thinking alot about liver lately... lol ... i am prob going to be starting treatment next year, when they come out with the new protease inhibitors, my dr thinks i can wait until then

GotToRollMe wrote on Jun 10^th, 2010 at 9:04am:

Yes, Lina. I'm hoping.  :willya

Mary?
I'm very happy for the news. I'm so happy which I'm wordless.
Go ahead Kid! Bravo!!!!! :)

Good for Allman. : http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100624/people_nm/us_allman

I wonder if the rich and famous get special priority treatment.

Bitch wrote on Jul 9^th, 2010 at 10:51pm:

Good for Allman. : http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100624/people_nm/us_allman I wonder if the rich and famous get special priority treatment.

Good question.  I remember questions like that being asked when Mickey Mantle and Larry Hagman got their liver transplants in what seemed to be a short time period when others in their area and on the same list had been waiting for years in some cases.  The hospitals and organizations involved denied it at the time, but one has to wonder.

AngieBlue wrote on Jul 10^th, 2010 at 12:14am:

Bitch wrote on Jul 9th, 2010 at 10:51pm: Good for Allman. : http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100624/people_nm/us_allman I wonder if the rich and famous get special priority treatment. Good question.  I remember questions like that being asked when Mickey Mantle and Larry Hagman got their liver transplants in what seemed to be a short time period when others in their area and on the same list had been waiting for years in some cases.  The hospitals and organizations involved denied it at the time, but one has to wonder.

YES ... they do get priority treatment...

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Economy/story?id=7902416&page=1

but no one will ever admit it...

I check daily for new postings - hoping you have reached the "proper" degree of misery to be eligible for a transplant.  Best wishes to you, Mary.  And you too, keefchik.   I hope some good news is around the corner.

Thinkin' of youuuuuuuu!

Long time since we heard any news. Still keeping my fingers crossed here

Rolling Hansie wrote on Sep 9^th, 2010 at 5:52am:

Long time since we heard any news. Still keeping my fingers crossed here

Would-be donors still needed, Hansie.

Would be donors and a GIANT CHAINSAW to cut through MASSIVE RED TAPE!!!!!!
Maddening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey   :forfucksake

Hang in there Mary!!!

LJ.

LadyJane wrote on Sep 10^th, 2010 at 7:52am:

Would be donors and a GIANT CHAINSAW to cut through MASSIVE RED TAPE!!!!!! Maddening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :Youmakeagrownmancrylikejoey   :forfucksake Hang in there Mary!!! LJ.

That sucks. Best wishes Mary. Hang in there indeed.

hey mare, send you a msg here hope you are doing ok ... hang in

Stay STRONG Mary.  I am sending you ELVIS sized prayers.  He's Undisputed as are YOU!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Martha

GTRM, send us an update if you can, we are concerned people who care. :)

In a nutshell, Mary still needs a donor. And soon. Whilst some people were kind enough to offer help, for various reasons none so far have been compatible.

We can't stress highly enough that time isn't on our side here, so if anyone is reading this and has previously thought about offering to donate but had banked on someone else doing it, we'd ask you to now seriously consider doing so. A blood group compatible with O+ (ie, O+ or O-) is what she's looking for. That covers around 40% of the population of the US, so statistically the chances of a match SHOULD be reasonable. If you're accepted as a donor, all costs will be covered.

Gazza wrote on Sep 24^th, 2010 at 7:11am:

In a nutshell, Mary still needs a donor. And soon. Whilst some people were kind enough to offer help, for various reasons none so far have been compatible. We can't stress highly enough that time isn't on our side here, so if anyone is reading this and has previously thought about offering to donate but had banked on someone else doing it, we'd ask you to now seriously consider doing so. A blood group compatible with O+ (ie, O+ or O-) is what she's looking for. That covers around 40% of the population of the US, so statistically the chances of a match SHOULD be reasonable. If you're accepted as a donor, all costs will be covered.

AMEN G!

I read this now.
Hang on! You'll better soon! Hope isn't lost!

Mary my dear, I am praying very, very hard for you.  So sorry to be out of touch.   I have been sick as a dog since Labor Day weekend with a bad viral infection.  It's been stubborn and downright dreadful.  I haven't been on-line much at all.  I know you understand.  I hope the music I sent is giving you some peaceful moments.  

And bless you LJ and Gazza for all you are doing behind the scenes for our Mary. You are both saints.

love,
Martha

My heart is aching for you, Mary. :( How I pray for that right person to step up and do the job! I do so wish I were compatible...:(:( Hang in here, and be strong! We will just pray more fervently...

Sioux wrote on Oct 9^th, 2010 at 11:30am:

My heart is aching for you, Mary. :( How I pray for that right person to step up and do the job! I do so wish I were compatible...:(:( Hang in here, and be strong! We will just pray more fervently...

What she said +1

I'm running out of time. Someone please help me. O+

I'm praying for you, Mary.

Maczee wrote on Oct 14^th, 2010 at 12:36pm:

I'm praying for you, Mary.

Wish I could do more than that

Rolling Hansie wrote on Oct 25^th, 2010 at 2:26am:

Maczee wrote on Oct 14th, 2010 at 12:36pm: I'm praying for you, Mary. Wish I could do more than that

I really wish I could do more too, but I live in Argentina and the situation is awful to me. I knew Mary years ago in a trade and I appreciate her.

Hi Everyone.
Just a little update.
Mary has been hospitalized three times within the past month. She has known for some time that her chances of getting a liver in Florida are much better than NJ/NYC area.

She is out of the hospital and looking for a flight ASAP. If she can, she will leave tomorrow.

And now for the power of the Stones.
Our good friend Stonesdoug was at his High School Reunion several months ago and ran into an old friend who mentioned that he was a Liver Transplant survivor. Doug thought to mention Mary to him as he too had suffered from Hepatitis C.
Well, our angel Bob, offered to help. He feels he would like to give something back. he has been counseling Mary for months and has been a tremedous help to her.
He has agreed to put her up and set her up with his Doctors.

So today I am asking that we wish Mary well on her journey and thank Bob for his generosity to our beloved friend.

And once again, the power of the Stonesian bond amazes me.

Godspeed my Sister.

xoxo
LJ.

LadyJane wrote on Oct 25^th, 2010 at 3:24pm:

Hi Everyone. Just a little update. Mary has been hospitalized three times within the past month. She has known for some time that her chances of getting a liver in Florida are much better than NJ/NYC area. She is out of the hospital and looking for a flight ASAP. If she can, she will leave tomorrow. And now for the power of the Stones. Our good friend Stonesdoug was at his High School Reunion several months ago and ran into an old friend who mentioned that he was a Liver Transplant survivor. Doug thought to mention Mary to him as he too had suffered from Hepatitis C. Well, our angel Bob, offered to help. He feels he would like to give something back. he has been counseling Mary for months and has been a tremedous help to her. He has agreed to put her up and set her up with his Doctors. So today I am asking that we wish Mary well on her journey and thank Bob for his generosity to our beloved friend. And once again, the power of the Stonesian bond amazes me. Godspeed my Sister. xoxo LJ.

That is awesome, LJ. Thanks for reporting that.

So pleased to hear this encouraging news.

For those who dont know, Florida has a lower MELD (Model for End Stage Liver Disease) score requirement than several other states, including New Jersey - which means that she has a chance of meeting the criteria for a transplant earlier than she would if she stayed at home.

There's been a hell of a lot of setbacks and red-tape getting in Mary's way over the last few months, but she's been a real fighter throughout (as has her mom) and we're hopeful that she'll have a positive outcome soon. Your best wishes, hopes and prayers for our dear friend would be appreciated.

A special thanks to Bob for all his help over the last few weeks and months and for his unselfish offer to reach out to someone that he's never even met. It's amazing what the Stones community can be capable of.

You're never out of my thoughts, Mary - and we all love you and are rooting for you.

This is great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If there is anyway I can help-you have my # and my email address.

Much love,
Steel Wheels

Thanks LadyJane and Gazza for the positive updates

I don't know you, Mary, but I am sending all positive thoughts and vibes your way.  

As for Bob, you are quite a guy! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Finally, some GREAT news! And yes, Bob's great for helping Mary like this.

Sending out a million good luck wishes to our Mary and all the love in the world :)
She's been a real, 100% fighter through all of this, and I absolutely know there's going to be a happy ending in this story  :)

This is tremendously good news. I'm glad Mary was able to meet someone who could relate to her situation and hopefully keep her spirits up. Hope she comes back with a clean bill of health and a new liver. My love and thoughts go out to Mary.

The news sounds good!  Hang in there Mary.  We are all shining the light on YOU!  

Thanks LJ for keeping us posted on the latest development.  I will pray HARDER than ever!

Do not give up!!!!!! Never!!!!!

xoxoxoxo,
Martha

Best of luck to Mary. Can't wait to hear some more good news. Good job by all of you doing everything you can to help her out.

Just spoke to Mary about an hour ago - she arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. this afternoon and is in good spirits.

She could be down there for a few months before a donor becomes available (if, God willing, it does), so whilst things are finally moving in the right direction, its important to emphasise that even if she does get one, she's on a waiting list and this isn't going to be an overnight fix.  However, she's there at last, is being looked after by Bob, who is a very kind guy and has been through this ordeal himself, and the clinic where she'll be receiving specialist treatment is located nearby. Her mom is staying in New Jersey (she's 89, so it's a non starter for her to travel) and will be looked after by neighbours and close friends in Mary's absence.

She asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone for their love and best wishes.

Gazza wrote on Oct 27^th, 2010 at 8:32pm:

Just spoke to Mary about an hour ago - she arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. this afternoon and is in good spirits. She could be down there for a few months before a donor becomes available (if, God willing, it does), so whilst things are finally moving in the right direction, its important to emphasise that even if she does get one, she's on a waiting list and this isn't going to be an overnight fix.  However, she's there at last, is being looked after by Bob, who is a very kind guy and has been through this ordeal himself, and the clinic where she'll be receiving specialist treatment is located nearby. Her mom is staying in New Jersey (she's 89, so it's a non starter for her to travel) and will be looked after by neighbours and close friends in Mary's absence. She asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone for their love and best wishes.

     Thank You for the hopeful news

I thought I could help, and I went to my Dr. for a physical but found out I'm not in a position to be a donor right now. Sorry Mary. I wish you alot of luck.

Bitch wrote on Oct 28^th, 2010 at 6:49pm:

I thought I could help, and I went to my Dr. for a physical but found out I'm not in a position to be a donor right now. Sorry Mary. I wish you alot of luck.

No matter. Your offer, and those of a few others who made similar offers, was GREATLY appreciated. A fantastic gesture.

Gazza wrote on Oct 28^th, 2010 at 8:11pm:

Bitch wrote on Oct 28th, 2010 at 6:49pm: I thought I could help, and I went to my Dr. for a physical but found out I'm not in a position to be a donor right now. Sorry Mary. I wish you alot of luck. No matter. Your offer, and those of a few others who made similar offers, was GREATLY appreciated. A fantastic gesture.

Let me second that and mention by name Voodoo and glencar for taking the time to be tested.
Gold rings on ya!

LadyJane wrote on Oct 28^th, 2010 at 9:32pm:

Gazza wrote on Oct 28th, 2010 at 8:11pm: Bitch wrote on Oct 28th, 2010 at 6:49pm: I thought I could help, and I went to my Dr. for a physical but found out I'm not in a position to be a donor right now. Sorry Mary. I wish you alot of luck. No matter. Your offer, and those of a few others who made similar offers, was GREATLY appreciated. A fantastic gesture. Let me second that and mention by name Voodoo and glencar for taking the time to be tested. Gold rings on ya!

Yep. A tip of the hat to both of 'em.

No need to thanks on the contrary I blame myself of not doing that earlier

Tomorrow I'm gonna call her!

Voodoo had you called her then? How Mary is?
I wish her all the good luck and she really needs it.
She deserves all the best!

Thanks for the update LJ!  Mary is in Stonesian hands now and that feels extremely HOPE FILLED to me.  I am so thankful to everyone that is lending a hand and supporting our Mary.  My prayers will never stop for her.  Bless you all!!!!

xoxo,
Martha

Another update for everyone.

Mary is currently in the hospital in Florida undergoing testing by a liver transplant team. I spoke to her yesterday and she was in great spriits. The progress made in two short weeks in nothing short of miraculous. She does, however, get a bit lonely and depressed as she is so far away from home and she is too weak to access email and the Internet. Additionally her surgeon is concerned about her "lack of a support system" in Florida.

Here's how you can help. If you would like to send a note, card or SMALL package to Mary, please email, PM or contact me via Facebook. I will give you MY home address and forward all to Mary in Florida. I think this will really do her a world of good!

In closing, Mary asked me to PLEASE let each of you know that she misses the Board and is very very grateful for all of the support she has received!

Hopefully it won't be too long before GotToRollMe is posting again.  

xoxo
LJ.

I am new here and don't know her, but I wish her a speedy recovery!!!!!

No worries, Gemmie. Any cards or letters would be appreciated.

Was talking to her last night and even though shes still in hospital, she was in much better form than when I last spoke to her a week ago.

Still a long, long way to go, but we can see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel, mostly thanks to Bob who's looking after her and the team at Broward Hospital.

Thanks for the updates LadyJane and Gazza.
Great idea to send a postcard or something to Mary.
I know by own experience how much a little thing like that can cheer you up.
And this is something that we all can do.

many thanks for the updates.

Here's hoping good times are coming Mary's way very soon.

Best wishes, and if there's anything i can do, just ask.

kudos to those helping her as well  

Thanks Gazza and Lady Jane for the update.. !!  I hope as you say, she's almost at the end of the tunnel.. and so we might re-see here soon posting.
I will sent her something.  A simply sign of friendship. nothing else of more.
Be blessed who in all this time had helped her and still is doing it.
She's a gift

I am OVERWHELMED by the response to my request to "send Mary some cheer".
The outpouring of love and support by all you has reaffirmed my faith in the human spirit.
We really are a family here.

Happy to report that Mary is about to be released from the Hospital and thus far as passed all preliminary tests.
She IS a candidate for a Transplant and has a found a Surgeon to perform the operation.
Mary continues to feel hopeful and I cannot tell you how long it has been since I have heard her laugh so much.

Keep sending prayers and good thoughts her way.

THANK YOU!

xoxo
LJ.

That's great news. Thanks for the update LJ.

Always good to read good news. Thanks for the updates

Was talking to her last night. She's been in hospital for about 9 days and has, as LJ said, been undergoing a lot of tests and evaluations, and should be released today.

Still a long way to go, but she's in good form and hopeful. She sends her love and thanks to everyone for their kindness and good wishes.

Thanks for the updates and the GOOD news!  Mary is surrounded by light now.  She's where she needs to be thanks to the grace of so many.  I am so thankful that she has made it to FLA and through the tests...ONWARD!  

love,
Martha

I had a voicemail from Mary yesterday afternoon. Her voice sounded so much stronger and her spirit seems transformed. It was so nice to hear. I'm going to try to call her back today.

She has made a lot of progress toward the goal of partial liver transplant. There is so much paperwork and she had many medical tests. Such daunting things. Having to work so hard to qualify for major surgery, which in itself is anxiety making. She needs all the love and support she can get!

Please keep her in your thoughts. I honestly think all this support is having a positive effect on her prognosis.

There is simply nothing like having the Rocks Off lunatics in your corner.

Please please please pass it on to Mare her fellow hepper here in rocksoffland (me!) is praying hard i know she will get what she needs lady jane are you paula on facebook??  sent ya a friend request... i have been msging with bob what a great guy he knows alot about liver haha

SweetVirginia wrote on Nov 19^th, 2010 at 6:40am:

I had a voicemail from Mary yesterday afternoon. Her voice sounded so much stronger and her spirit seems transformed. It was so nice to hear. I'm going to try to call her back today. She has made a lot of progress toward the goal of partial liver transplant. There is so much paperwork and she had many medical tests. Such daunting things. Having to work so hard to qualify for major surgery, which in itself is anxiety making. She needs all the love and support she can get! Please keep her in your thoughts. I honestly think all this support is having a positive effect on her prognosis. There is simply nothing like having the Rocks Off lunatics in your corner.

Well said SV!!!! So glad she sounded stronger! I haven't talked to her since she's been discharged.
Cards and letters are starting to arrive; I will send the first batch early next week.
Again, if you want to send a greeting to Mary via snail mail, PM, email or contact me via Facebook.
Yes keefchik, LJ and Paula are one and the same. ;)

A little sad this a.m. as Mary had to be re-hospitalized earlier this week and she's still in.
She's in pretty good spirits though as she is feeling better and "looking forward to the tray with my Turkey
dinner".

She misses being with her Mother on the Holiday.

Considering what Mary and so many others are facing today, I am very grateful for the Blessings in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

xoxo
LJ.

I haven't posted anything in nearly 2 weeks because there really wasn't much to report.
In that time Mary was released and re-admitted to the Hospital.

I just spoke with her and she sounds very very good today.
I think they have finally got her on the right medication necessary to keep her out of the hospital and
busy concentrating on getting all affairs in order (ie medical insurance) to get the Transplant.

She asked me to extend her deepest thanks to all who have sent cards, notes and packages.
You have each uplifted her and her only regret is that she hasn't been able to respond to everyone
individually.

So please keep praying and sending good thoughts Mary's way.
We still have a long way to go but there is hope.
And again, my offer stands to forward cards/notes to her.
Ya'll know how to reach me.


LJ.

Thanks again Lady Jane for the update.

Thanks for the update LJ! Great to hear she's on the right medication finally!
Have they given her a time frame for the transplant?
Either way, sending all my love and energy Mary's way  :)

Thank you for the update :)

Hey Guys,
I just want to thank all of you who've sent your good wishes and prayers, especially Lady Jane, who's been so good as to pass them on to me. Thanks also to Gazza and Voodoo, and to Jostorm for the milk thistle. Thanks also to MRD8 for the discs, and to another board member who sent me a lovely gourmet fruit basket while I was in the hospital. Last but certainly not least, thanks to Sweet Virginia and Mr. Virginia for providing me with the means to access the internet - you guys blew me away with your generosity and kindness.
I only hope that when this ordeal is all over I can make it up to you, hopefully during the 2011 Tour!
Love,
Mary a/k/a GTRM a/k/a KW

...and now You got to roll us all baby!!!


Couldn't be better... the good news coming from you back in action!

Keep rocking  :willya

Alright Mary, so good to see you posting here again

So nice to see you on the board, Mary!!

Love and good wishes, Little Rock and Roller.

xoxo

Glad things are getting better Mary. Just in time for a tour. :willya

So unbelievably nice to see you posting Mary!!!  ;D Keep going baby, the tour's right the corner and the ROCC's got to get together this time  ;)

All my love!

Hey MAKE MY DAY BABY!  You are BACK in the SADDLE!  

Gosh, am I thrilled to see you posting darlin'.   :willya

Wowie!

Hang in there you can do this!!!!!!!!

love and BIG hugs,
Martha
:weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed :weed

Welcome back Mary!!! Great way, the best way to start the weekend with such a good news!

What a wonderful surprise to see you posting, KW.
If I don't get another thing, this will be my BEST Christmas gift!

Heading to the Post Office after work today.
MORE greetings from your fellow RO'ers to get into the mail!!!!

xoxoxoxoxo
LJ.

super great news!!!! :)

Holiday Greetings to Mary!

Merry Christmas!

With Love,
Steel Wheels!

Mary getting a new liver and getting back to full (and rude!) health is my main wish for Christmas and 2011.

Thanks to everyone who has helped her out over the last few months.

Gazza wrote on Dec 24^th, 2010 at 2:49pm:

Mary getting a new liver and getting back to full (and rude!) health is my main wish for Christmas and 2011. Thanks to everyone who has helped her out over the last few months.

I'll second that Gazza and thank YOU for everything you have done.
My heartfelt thanks to all who have sent cards, notes and packages to me to forward to Mary.
And to those who sent ME cards and money for help with postage, may God Bless you. You have renewed my faith in the inherent goodness of the human spirit.

Merry Christmas Mary!!!!!!!!!

xoxo
Paula

I'll "third" that Gazza and Lady Jane

Sincerely
Gerardo

Merry Christmas Mary with love Steve x

Merry Christmas, Mary

Alex x

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful friends here at Rocks Off. You guys have renewed my faith in the inherent goodness of people. You keep me going.

Mary you are lucky to be out of NJ, there is 28 inches of snow on the ground, we're incapacitated!

To Mary and all,
Sorry I did not get a chance to say this earlier
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This will be another great Year, here at RO!
I, we pray for your Health and Strength.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f167/t56g13h9/IMG_1079copy.jpg

Thanks Mary for your wishes and the GOOD news! Very sweet person and I as Paula, Gazza, and Voo, I'm sure to see you in full energy and health for a new tour!

Thanks to Paula for be so kindly, you'd made not only my day but all my week.
Sorry for the late. xxx! My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary always. Love Lina :)

Any updates?

We haven't had any updates other than Mary has been very very depressed and homesick.
But all of that changed today when she got word that she has been approved for THE INSURANCE
SHE NEEDS TO PAY FOR HER TRANSPLANT!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is HUGE and she is elated. Even though she passed all the preliminary tests and was deemed an acceptable candidate for a liver, the Surgeon could not proceed until she had insurance in place.

Now she can get on the lists for a new liver and all medications, exams, and the surgery will be PAID FOR!!!

Needless to say her spirits have been lifted to new heights! I just spoke with her and she is giddy with joy.

There is still a long way to go, but she's made tremendous progress in a relatively short period of time and I believe
it is because of all of the prayers, good thoughts and Stones karma being sent her way!!!!

God Bless You All!!!!!!

xoxo
LJ.

Good news! Thanks for sharing

LadyJane wrote on Feb 12^th, 2011 at 1:51pm:

We haven't had any updates other than Mary has been very very depressed and homesick. But all of that changed today when she got word that she has been approved for THE INSURANCE SHE NEEDS TO PAY FOR HER TRANSPLANT!!!!!!!!!!!! This is HUGE and she is elated. Even though she passed all the preliminary tests and was deemed an acceptable candidate for a liver, the Surgeon could not proceed until she had insurance in place. Now she can get on the lists for a new liver and all medications, exams, and the surgery will be PAID FOR!!! Needless to say her spirits have been lifted to new heights! I just spoke with her and she is giddy with joy. There is still a long way to go, but she's made tremendous progress in a relatively short period of time and I believe it is because of all of the prayers, good thoughts and Stones karma being sent her way!!!! God Bless You All!!!!!! xoxo LJ.

Brilliant news!! What a great lift for her.

This is WONDERFUL, LJ! Just terrific! ;D ;D I know Mary is elated---wow! Yes indeed----our prayers have been answered!! ;D

Finally some really good news. Thanks for posting

Sioux wrote on Feb 12^th, 2011 at 5:12pm:

This is WONDERFUL, LJ! Just terrific! ;D ;D I know Mary is elated---wow! Yes indeed----our prayers have been answered!! ;D

Elated?

I spoke to her on the phone an hour ago.

We got cut off twice because she was doing cartwheels at the same time... [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

So happy for this good news!! Thanks for letting us know!!!

Keep on rollin, Mary!

Good to hear. Thanks for the update LJ.

That's wonderful news! Thanks for the update LJ.

Gazza wrote on Feb 12^th, 2011 at 5:31pm:

Sioux wrote on Feb 12th, 2011 at 5:12pm: This is WONDERFUL, LJ! Just terrific! ;D ;D I know Mary is elated---wow! Yes indeed----our prayers have been answered!! ;D Elated? I spoke to her on the phone an hour ago. We got cut off twice because she was doing cartwheels at the same time... [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Ha ha! Good for her.....:) Guess I meant to say.......Mary must be......ECSTATIC!!! ;D

I feel so fortunate to have all you good people behind me. I know it's because of all the prayers and good vibes sent my way that I finally got the health benefits I so badly needed. Gazza and LadyJane - you both have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I couldn't have done it without you guys and the help of Stonesdoug and his old high school friend, Bob. I still have a long way to go, but I can finally see a dim light at the end of that tunnel - and it's New Jersey!

Such great news.  :)
Get ready for '12 baby, we're going to rock  :keithpunky

Gold rings on ya GTRM! Is that the Lincoln Tunnel or the Holland Tunnel? The best thing about New Jersey is that we are close to NYC & Jersey Girls rock!

i know i'm a bit late on this but  i am really pleased and happy for you M. best RO news in a long time

and hats off to all those iof you who did more than just provide thoughts and prayers - which was all i managed to do

Fabulous!

You came across my mind just today...so i thought I would pop into the thread again...WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS!!!
So happy for you...I don't have to tell you anything about the battle ahead...but your friends
will be there for you.

xxPaulxx

Any updates ? No news means good news ?

I was wondering the same thing....

No real news to report other than Mary's keeping as well as can be expected and her health has been stable for the last few months. Health insurance and medication issues seem to be sorted out and really the next step as I understand it is to go through a couple of medical checks and then she'll be on a transplant list. Its amazing to think that it's now been six months since she went to Florida. Suffice to say that going there when she did has made a huge difference.

Thanks for the update Gazza

Yes, thanks so much for keeping us informed. Helps so much when it comes to sending up those prayers...:)

Hit a little snag with my dental checkup, but nothing $1000 can't fix.  [smiley=rolleyes.gif] After that, it's a couple more tests and then, hopefully, finally, on to the fabled "list." I'll definitely let you know when that happens. Thanks for your concern. Love yuz.

Get ready baby!! Get ready... the good times are coming

:willya

So good to see your post

Still in a holding pattern.
It can be so frustrating.

Keep the Faith everyone.
We'll get there.

LJ.

Ahhhhh....."the waiting is the hardest part". :( Well, I know it's hard to wait, anyway. But, we're all thinking good thoughts, and I'm sending up prayers on a regular basis....thanks for the update, LJ. :)

Thanks for the update LadyJane

Finally got on the list today! I'm hoping this is the start of my long road home. I'm living this shit and even I'm getting tired of it. Seriously, I'm grateful to all the good people who've been helping me. You all rock!

GotToRollMe wrote on Jul 19^th, 2011 at 4:55pm:

Finally got on the list today! I'm hoping this is the start of my long road home. I'm living this shit and even I'm getting tired of it. Seriously, I'm grateful to all the good people who've been helping me. You all rock!

Great news, Mary!!!  Hang in there......

Hugs

YOU ROCK!  Keep us posted!

Steel Wheels

Best wishes Mary. Keep on rolling. :willya  :keithpunky

GotToRollMe wrote on Jul 19^th, 2011 at 4:55pm:

Finally got on the list today! I'm hoping this is the start of my long road home. I'm living this shit and even I'm getting tired of it. Seriously, I'm grateful to all the good people who've been helping me. You all rock!

Finally!

Oh Mary!!! I am SO SO THRILLED.
Your bravery and tenacity did the trick.
FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


XOXOXO
P.

WooHoo! This is tremendously great news!

Excellent news !  :)

Hang in there darling, things are on their way  8-)

Thats great news Mary :)

That's wonderful news.

Fantastic news!

I hope your wait on the list is a short one!

Got the absolute best news today. My biopsy results came back positive, which adds 10 points to my MELD score and puts me at the top of the transplant list. It can happen anytime now!

GotToRollMe wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:38pm:

Got the absolute best news today. My biopsy results came back positive, which adds 10 points to my MELD score and puts me at the top of the transplant list. It can happen anytime now!

Not often that you can say 'congratulations' after a comment like that,  but thats fantastic news.

Hopefully you'll get it taken care of soon. Make sure you've packed your toothbrush!

First time I've ever cheered for cancer!! :willya :willya

Absolutely best news indeed. How wonderful

That's fantastic  news !

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 6:34pm:

First time I've ever cheered for cancer!! :willya :willya

Exactly!!  ;D

Mary, you rock baby. Thrilled for you! Now bring us that liver!  :willya

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 6:34pm:

First time I've ever cheered for cancer!! :willya :willya

I was having a hard time processing this until Mary cleared it up for me:

a)it started IN her liver as opposed to spreading from somewhere else
b)it is confined to the liver.
b)it's a NATURAL progression of her disease.
c)it's non aggresive
d)the surgeon has advised her to "pack a bag; we'll call you anytime now".

So in this case, the dx of Cancer is actually going to help her get her transplant ASAP.
Bear in mind that if Mary wasn't in Florida and hadn't accomplished all she has during the past several months, this diagnosis would
NOT be good news.

Great work Mary.
Thanks to Bob, who took in a stranger and has been helping her every step of the way.
Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers, support and good vibes.

We can't stop now; we still have a ways to go but nearly miraculous progress has been made since September of 2010.

xoxo
LJ.

LadyJane wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 11:13am:

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 6:34pm: First time I've ever cheered for cancer!! :willya :willya I was having a hard time processing this until Mary cleared it up for me: a)it started IN her liver as opposed to spreading from somewhere else b)it is confined to the liver. b)it's a NATURAL progression of her disease. c)it's non aggresive d)the surgeon has advised her to "pack a bag; we'll call you anytime now". So in this case, the dx of Cancer is actually going to help her get her transplant ASAP.Bear in mind that if Mary wasn't in Florida and hadn't accomplished all she has during the past several months, this diagnosis would NOT be good news. Great work Mary. Thanks to Bob, who took in a stranger and has been helping her every step of the way. Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers, support and good vibes. We can't stop now; we still have a ways to go but nearly miraculous progress has been made since September of 2010. xoxo LJ.

Correct. Its the diagnosis which increases her MELD score and puts her to around the top of the waiting list. The upside is that its a small spot and can be removed without any further complications. I hope Bob wont mind me saying it, but its pretty much how HE ended up getting a transplant as well.

Another plus is that she's been stable since moving to Florida - thanks to getting regular help from the clinic, thanks to having the right medication and thanks to Bob's selfless support - that she's in better shape going into this op than she would have been had it happened a year ago or had she stayed at home and waited for it while her health deteriorated.

The one thing I'm looking forward to doing to this page most in the next couple of months is removing this thread from the 'sticky' section , and doing so for all the right reasons.

As a great man once said...

'Any minute, any hour/
I'm waiting on a call from you ... '

LadyJane wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 11:13am:

PartyDoll MEG wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 6:34pm: First time I've ever cheered for cancer!! :willya :willya I was having a hard time processing this until Mary cleared it up for me: a)it started IN her liver as opposed to spreading from somewhere else b)it is confined to the liver. b)it's a NATURAL progression of her disease. c)it's non aggresive d)the surgeon has advised her to "pack a bag; we'll call you anytime now". So in this case, the dx of Cancer is actually going to help her get her transplant ASAP. Bear in mind that if Mary wasn't in Florida and hadn't accomplished all she has during the past several months, this diagnosis would NOT be good news. Great work Mary. Thanks to Bob, who took in a stranger and has been helping her every step of the way. Thanks to everyone who has offered prayers, support and good vibes. We can't stop now; we still have a ways to go but nearly miraculous progress has been made since September of 2010. xoxo LJ.

Thanks for clearing that up LJ. Wow,things work in stange ways. But great to hear Mary. It's so great to continue to hear good news.

Mary is going in for her transplant today, please keep her in your prayers and send good vibes her way! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

MRD8 wrote on Aug 28^th, 2011 at 8:31am:

Mary is going in for her transplant today, please keep her in your prayers and send good vibes her way! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Best wishes, Mary !

MRD8 wrote on Aug 28^th, 2011 at 8:31am:

Mary is going in for her transplant today, please keep her in your prayers and send good vibes her way! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

As I understand it from speaking to her last night, she got a call yesterday saying that they had a liver for her, and were testing it to see if it was fully compatible. They should be able to confirm today whether or not this is the case. IF it is, the surgery may be later this evening.

Either way, it appears that she wont have to wait much longer. Our love & prayers are with you, Mary.

Oh, that's wonderful news!! Hope the liver is compatible, and that the successful surgery happens tonight! You are in my prayers, Mary. :)

Last I heard compatibility testing is still ongoing.
I spoke to Mary last night and she is very scared but anxious to get a new liver and back on the road to recovery.

Prayers and good vibes are greatly needed.
Will keep ya'll posted.

xoxo
LJ.

Thanks LJ. I'll keep checking back here today---thankfully, we still have electricity, although 75% of my area does not.

Excellent news.  Stay strong and beautiful, Mary.

Best wishes Mary. Good luck. We're all pulling for you.

I'm afraid the liver was not a match.
Mary is being sent home. :(
But this happens and she'll likely get another call before too long.
I know she'll be very disappointed.

LJ.

Too bad. Still, a minor setback. She's come a long way - and its only a matter of 'when' and not 'if' now.

Oh my....:( I'm really sorry. :( But, yes. I'm sure she'll be called again soon. It WILL happen, Mary. :) Thanks for the update, LJ.

love and prayers ma'am (long line of smileys)

Thanks for the update. Hope the next one will be a match

Yes, it was a false alarm. The donor liver was in bad shape, and my doctor wants to wait til I can get a good one. I'm not disappointed, though - it was good practice for the real thing, which should be happening soon.

Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers. I'm lucky to have so many good people behind me.

Your attitude is so great, Mary. :) I agree---it won't be long, I'm sure! Thanks for checking in with us...:)

I love you Mary and I know you will be ok.  Keep that bag packed.

:-)

xoxoxoxo,
Martha

Keeping you in my thoughts, hang in there sister.  :paristhong

Mary I hope next time it's a perfect match for you! You must be tough tough tough tough tough!

Mary's on her way to hospital for another attempt to match her with a suitable liver. Hopefully she'll be luckier this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

My prayers are with you Mary!

'It's a go' this time, according to Bob.

Best of luck, Mary!

Thank God!

Thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary!

We've waited so long for this news.
Praying very very hard for my dear friend.
May tonight be the beginning of your journey back home.

Gazza wrote on Sep 20^th, 2011 at 7:25pm:

'It's a go' this time, according to Bob. Best of luck, Mary!

Best news ever, this is better than all the news of upcoming releases and probable tour that we have had in the recent days

8-)

Voodoo Chile in Wonderland wrote on Sep 20^th, 2011 at 8:40pm:

Gazza wrote on Sep 20th, 2011 at 7:25pm: 'It's a go' this time, according to Bob. Best of luck, Mary! Best news ever, this is better than all the news of upcoming releases and probable tour that we have had in the recent days 8-)

Amen Voodoo. Real life is always more important. Then we can get on to the frivolity of a Stones tour......Yay,yay and more yay. :willya