This morning we met with Dr. Koyle (Urologist) to talk about the course of action we might take pursuant to Julian's bladder and urethral passage reconstruction, as it relates to his dialysis and/or kidney transplant. Specifically, we wanted to know if it was possible to do the reconstruction surgery at the same time the dialysis and/or kidney operations took place. He'd like to wait until after the kidney is in before rebuilding the bladder and reconstructing the urethral track for various reasons. We also found out that in terms of donor/organ matching, one of the most significant factors when considering a kidney transplant is the age of the organ. Ultimately we'd love to see Julian receive a 0-point antigen mismatch (i.e. a 6 out of 6-point match) organ, but we learned today that it would be better to receive a 3-point antigen mismatch from a live donor than it would to receive a 1- or 2-point antigen mismatch from a cadaveric (i.e. deceased) donor. So we're hoping and praying that God provides what He knows we need.
We also learned this morning that Dr. Koyle plans to move to Seattle sometime this fall. This is significant to us in that Dr. Koyle's work and presence in Julian's life was one of the main reasons we stayed here in Colorado after Julian was born. It will be possible for us to travel with Julian to Seattle for appointments and procedures as required, but that adds a level of complexity we hadn't taken into account. We'd love to get as much of the surgical work done as quickly as possible at this point, so that Dr. Koyle can participate in Julian's transplant and subsequent care to the greatest degree possible.
Tomorrow, we meet with the Doctors at the Kidney Center at Childrens to talk about Julian's blood work and what it all means in practical terms (i.e. when should we plan for dialysis surgery and training, etc.). In the mean time, Stacy will be on the phone with the transplant coordinator at Childrens to see where we are on "the list" and to more closely examine the likelihood of Julian receiving an organ from a living related donor.
Stay tuned.
