[LB]

Hello to all, We are West Palm, TV wannabies. Wife Laurie had a kidney pancreas transplant about 12 years ago. All has gone well except just the last few weeks. She has CMV in her system from her donor. It has from time to time flared up. This time it attacked her eye. All seems to be getting back to normal. Are there any Villagers that have the same transplant? We have such good Drs here and so close to Jackson in Miami that we are hesitant to make the move. For example Bascom Palmer is in Miami, but also has a center in WPB. They have a specialist in her type of eye troubles that commutes to WPB, and we were able to see her without going to Miami which is not a pleasant drive! LB & LB

[spk7951]

Originally Posted by LB

Hello to all, We are West Palm, TV wannabies. Wife Laurie had a kidney pancreas transplant about 12 years ago. All has gone well except just the last few weeks. She has CMV in her system from her donor. It has from time to time flared up. This time it attacked her eye. All seems to be getting back to normal. Are there any Villagers that have the same transplant? We have such good Drs here and so close to Jackson in Miami that we are hesitant to make the move. For example Bascom Palmer is in Miami, but also has a center in WPB. They have a specialist in her type of eye troubles that commutes to WPB, and we were able to see her without going to Miami which is not a pleasant drive! LB & LB

I can not speak directly to your situation but perhaps I can help a little with what my wife has gone through.
Five years ago Barb had a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma, which is a rare blood cancer. It is just unbelievable what she had to go through but it has helped her and she is now 5yrs cancer free when the docs did not think that would happen. However, with this cancer she stands a very real possibility of the cancer coming back and treatment just might be another stem cell transplant. Her transplant 5yrs ago was done at Yale New Haven in CT and they were just wonderful to her and yes when/if the time comes she wants to go back to Yale.
How all of that fits in to your scenario is that for us we made the decision to live for today and not worry about tomorrow. When/if she needs that treatment again then we will figure out how we will handle it.
Not sure if any of this helps but maybe at least it helps knowing that you are not the only ones who are facing things like this. Best wishes.

Now that I think of it I do have a thought. I am not sure how it works but I do recall there is a volunteer group called "Angel Flight" who do fly folks, for free, for medical needs. Might be worth checking into.

[LB]

spk, Thank you for your insight and suggestions. They are all helpful and hopeful. Hope all continues to go well for you. Living at TV would keep us all more healthy, both mentally and physically. We have notice many times some folks just sitting on their golf cart at Sumpter enjoying the entertainment and being out. It was obvious that some could not easily go sit on a chair but they were still enjoying! Best Regards Larry & Laurie

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by LB

Hello to all, We are West Palm, TV wannabies. Wife Laurie had a kidney pancreas transplant about 12 years ago. All has gone well except just the last few weeks. She has CMV in her system from her donor. It has from time to time flared up. This time it attacked her eye. All seems to be getting back to normal. Are there any Villagers that have the same transplant? We have such good Drs here and so close to Jackson in Miami that we are hesitant to make the move. For example Bascom Palmer is in Miami, but also has a center in WPB. They have a specialist in her type of eye troubles that commutes to WPB, and we were able to see her without going to Miami which is not a pleasant drive! LB & LB

In 2005 was diagnosed with recurring ovarian cancer at Mass General Hospital, Boston, while a snowbird. MGH was the best ever, however I truly dreaded the winters in Boston and decided to seek care in TV area. To no avail. First, Lake Oncology just wanted to send me to hospice and wait it out. YIKES That was shocking since I was doing pretty well with chemo and constant testing. I then tried Shands and Moffitt and found both places not only overcrowded and the exhausting drive, they didn't work out for me as I was so very weak.

I then decided to try Ocala Oncology, Dr Maury Berger who has been the best of all of them. Office in Oakland Hills, Lady Lake on Rte 441 almost across the street from Wal-Mart on 441. 352 259 8940

This is a small office close by, with an infusion room and very little waiting to be seen. Everyone in the office is so friendly and upbeat. Dr B has a dry wit and is the best diagnostic dr of all who covers so much more than any other onc I've had, without going into details.

I do hope this encourages you to make the move and enjoy this wonderful lifestyle and be assured that you will be in good hands not only with the medical profession, but with your TV friends and neighbors who will always be there for you.

Best, Barb

[LB]

Barb,Thanks for the encouragement. LB: