realities of transplant

We are deeply saddened by the passing of another member of our transplant family. We share a story with this young woman. She had Cystic Fibrosis and developed chronic rejection following a double lung transplant. She received a second transplant a couple of weeks ago after waiting for re-transplant on ECMO in the ICU for six weeks. We send condolences, and love, love, love, to her family and friends.

These are the realities of transplant. These are the realities of re-transplant. We avoid these discussions. We make our best attempt to focus on the positive. It doesn't change these realities. The median survival for re-transplant is two years. A median is the common measure rather than an average, because of a high percentage of deaths in the immediate post-transplant period. There is a very high risk of complications. This is especially the case for an individual in James' position (in the ICU on ECMO for the long-term).

It is impossible to completely optimize an individual for transplant in the ICU. James' prognosis becomes worse with time. I cannot deny these realities. What does that mean for now? It means that every single moment together is precious. We cannot take a moment for granted. How do we make the most of our time together in the ICU? It is really really difficult.