Last week, Dan, Sarah, and Lucas traveled to New York Presbyterian Hospital for a series of evaluations as part of Lucas’ liver transplant process. These evaluations were crucial for assessing both Lucas’ health and the potential of his family members as liver donors.
For Lucas, the evaluation involved a comprehensive set of tests aimed at assessing the function of his liver and other vital organs. These tests included blood work, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures to evaluate the severity of his liver condition. The PLED score (Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score) was used to measure the extent of Lucas’ liver disease. At the end of the evaluation, Lucas had a PLED score of 6, which is a positive outcome, indicating that his condition is stable enough to allow time for planning the next steps. This score is important because it helps doctors gauge how urgently a transplant is needed. While Lucas’ liver function isn’t at its best, the score provides some relief, allowing his medical team to proceed with careful planning.
One of the most significant symptoms affecting Lucas’ quality of life is chronic itching, a common issue for individuals with liver disease. This persistent itching severely impacts his daily activities, and managing this symptom is one of the major priorities for his medical team.
In parallel with Lucas’ evaluation, both Dan and Sarah underwent extensive testing to determine if they were suitable candidates to donate a portion of their livers to Lucas. The Living Donor Team conducted thorough assessments of their physical and mental health, as well as their overall compatibility with Lucas.
After completing all the tests, the Living Donor Team carefully reviewed the results, and it was determined that Sarah was the best match for Lucas. This means that Sarah’s liver was both physically and genetically compatible, and her health was optimal for donation. With her being chosen as the donor, the next steps will involve preparing both her and Lucas for the transplant surgery.
While this journey has been filled with extensive testing and emotional challenges, the outcome is promising. With Sarah as the match, the medical team can now proceed with the necessary preparations to ensure both her and Lucas are ready for the transplant, ultimately giving Lucas a better chance at improving his health and quality of life.
So glad to hear that you are a match Sarah! Prayers always for all of you !