• From: Alabama
  • Registered: Thu, 15 Dec 2011
  • Posts: 365

Topic: What do I need to know about transplant?

As I sit here with tears falling down my face, thinking about leaving my children to get a transplant, my heart breaks.

I wish this was easy. I fear this. But it could save my life. I don't know what to do, or what to say.

I'm so scared they will open and close. SO SCARED. I'm scared to leave my babies. What if it would be the last time I see them? This is life or death for me. Everyone around me is so happy for me. But I can't he to think they are all crazy, and don't understand what is really going on.

I just want to be a good wife and mother. I don't want to deal with this. I'm tired of cancer controlling my life.

So, I need all of you to help me. I need the pros and cons of all this. What advice do you have?

~Tiffany~ 31 years young wink Fighting CC since 10-27-2011
Wife to Brian; Mommy to Carter (7) and Madison (4)
http://tiffanyschwantes.wordpress.com/
I balance my life with my breath.

tiff1496's Website

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,209

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Tiff, of course you are scared. I don't think anyone can really tell you what to do however, as big and brave as you have been I think it is time to ask your ONC for something to take the edge off. Guess you want to know what I really think? I think you are blessed to get this chance because it is the only way for a cure. Think back not so long ago how you were so wishing for this chance and now you have it. If you let it go, you may never have this chance again. Be strong little Grasshopper and a little help from the Doc can't hurt. Sending you all the love and hugs in the world.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

3 Reply by marions (edited by marions Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:46:37)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,164

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Tiff….You made me smile today.  Wonder why?  I watched your Cancer Music Video.  It is that strength dear Tiff that will help you through this.  Please realize that your feelings are normal.  I believe that those that are not at least a little anxious pre-surgery must not fully understand the situation. In fact, dear Tiff, I am anxious for you too.  And I bet that I am not the only one.  I can just imagine the outpouring of love and support you have coming your way from the members on this board alone.  And, that does not take in account all the others in your life.  With time you may come to realize that the anticipation of an operation often is worse then the reality of the surgery.  This may help you focus on the benefits derived from the transplant and that  you are doing this for your little ones.
Times like these make us feel that our lives are out of control.  And in some strange way that is true.  However; we don’t have control when getting into a care, bus, train, or airplane. In fact, we don’t control our lives in so many aspects every day without even thinking about it. 
For emotional support you might also want to speak with your physician and a counselor.  And, let’s not forget about our great Dr. Giles  http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/ask.htm  He is here for us all.
Keep talking, Tiff.  You have our ears and our hearts.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: Alabama
  • Registered: Thu, 15 Dec 2011
  • Posts: 365

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Thank you both for the support.
I know my feelings are totally normal.
I'm going to try my best to NOT send myself to the nut house thinking about all this.

I do believe I'm going to get with Dr. Chapman. I just need to hear what he has to say.

~Tiffany~ 31 years young wink Fighting CC since 10-27-2011
Wife to Brian; Mommy to Carter (7) and Madison (4)
http://tiffanyschwantes.wordpress.com/
I balance my life with my breath.

tiff1496's Website

5 Reply by Lainy (edited by Lainy Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:11:45)

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,209

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Tiff, good decision and it may also help settle your mind! Let us know if you get to talk to him. I know this is all going to be good as we already have your cabin reserved for the BIG cruise. Tell ya what. I will keep the 2 kids with me so you can Honeymoon as we sail!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Gavin
  • Gavin
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  • From: Scotland - Dundee
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 4,831

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Stay strong Tiff. I know that you will make the right decision for you. You say that your feelings are not normal, no wonder. Nothing about any of this is normal! As for being and feeling scared, no wonder you feel like that. Anyone and everyone would feel that way too.

We're all here for you Tiff, always.

Loads of hugs coming your way,

Gavin

  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 435

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Tiffany,

I would be very nervous too, but it sounds like this is a chance for a cure so I think it is such a blessing.
It is a big surgery and there will be some recovery involved, but you are young and healthy and I think you will do very well.
(I get so annoyed when people call me healthy considering I had cc)
But from a surgical perspective, you are very healthy with no comorbidites that would make transplant more risky.

Take care.  We are here for you.

Susie

  • Registered: Thu, 09 Sep 2010
  • Posts: 533

Re: What do I need to know about transplant?

Tiff-right now I am sitting here very annoyed with my daughter. I have been to hell and back, I shouldn't be here, but I am so mad at my dear child right now and it feels good, because life is NORMAL!! Cancer took 3 long years of my 57 years, not bad odds!!  Cry, laugh, be mad, panic, worry like crazy, because that just means you are alive and fighting!!
Susie is right it is a big surgery, but I was home 2 weeks (it would have been sooner but I had a collapse lung) after surgery. When I was at Dr. Chapman's reception he introduced me to an 83 year old gentlemen who had a liver transplant 2 months ago!! (Dr. Chapman went to his birthday party!!). You are blessed, young and strong you are going to make it!! Do you realize what a lesson you are teaching your children about faith and fortitude!!! Keep up the great work, God is not done with you!!
Lots of prayers-Cathy