From Janet...

Hi this is Janet. I've had a rough time lately but throughout this time it's been uplifing to hear of all the well wishes and prayers from so many people on my behalf. I truly feel blessed and loved. Last week I had my tests/consults with the Florida Hospital Transplant Team and I learned a lot about the Kidney/Pancreas transplant and recieved a lot of positive feed back about making it on "the list". It is a very complicated surgery and a bit scary but I have a lot of people in my corner suppporting me in this decision.

I am beyond grateful and thankful for all those who love me so much. I know a lot of people who want to know how I am doing during this new journey I am on, so I hope to be able to keep everyone updated through this blog. When I am feeling well enough, I will update the blog myself but on those bad days my family will update for me. Stay tuned....this is going to be a wild ride to get to that light at the end of the tunnel and I am very hopeful that it will happen.

Week of March 20th thru March 26th

Janet's case was presented to the Transplant Committee on Wednesday, March 23rd. We have not yet received news as to her acceptance to the Transplant List. We are hopeful and expect to hear something soon. 

Janet is doing ok despite her normal challenges. She is excited for this weekend as she has many family members who have come into town. She hopes to feel well enough for some quality family time.

Our immediate goal is to send out a Facebook Appeal to all friends and family with information on how to donate to Janet's transplant costs. We hope that SUNSHINE FOR JANET goes viral and she receives the donations needed for her transplant and post-tansplant costs. We are working with the National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) to help in our fundraising efforts.

For more information and to make a donation, please go to www.transplants.org/donate/janetmccrary.

1. Click on "Donate Today" under Janet's picture.
2. Fill in the Contribution Information.
3. Below the contribution information, click the radio button "My gift is in honor of the following patient" and type in "Janet McCrary" in the box.

Skipping this step will result in the donation going to the general funds of the NFT and not to Janet. Click "Submit" at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for your generosity!

Week of March 13th thru March 19th

On March 12th Janet was released from Holmes Regional Hospital where she had been a patient for 2 weeks fighting a blood infection. She has a Dialysis Tunnel Catheter in her neck and it became infected. In addition, a more permanent port, called a Fistula, was surguically inserted into her left arm. It was soon discovered that it had also become infected. The doctors replaced the tunnel catheter in her neck and had to remove the one in her arm. She was in a lot of pain and disappointed that because of the fistula becoming infected, she would have to retain the one in her neck.

March 15th and 17th Janet had appointments at FL Hospital for Transplant Orientation, labs, and meetings with several individuals involved in the transplant process (i.e. Transplant Coordinator, Nutritionist, and one of the Transplant Doctors). 

Janet had some difficult times during that week, but was able to pull herself together with a great attitude to make it to the appointments at Florida Hospital. Because she is need of both a pancreas and kidney transplant, her chances for receiving the transplants may be months instead of years (as it is for a kidney only transplant). The social worker assigned to the case said she had never seen such a phenomenal support system for a transplant patient.

Janet is up and enthusiastic and excited about what is happening to help her and grateful for those who are working on the fundraising program.

Getting to Know Janet

Janet was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 16.  She went from being a vivacious member of her Eau Gallie High School band dance troupe to a chronically ill hyperglycemic student on home study within a year.  But she worked hard and, despite her illness, completed her diploma.

Janet began using an insulin pump and her symptoms seemed improved enough when she was 19-years-old to attempt going away to college or hopefully, serve a mission for her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was while she was away from home, taking some college courses that she lapsed into a diabetic coma and was brought back home to Melbourne.  Janet hasn’t known a normal life since.  The debilitating effects of the diabetes also resulted in chronic stomach ailments -- finally diagnosed as Gastroparesis and her stomach was at 0% digestion.  Feeding tubes were necessary to keep her alive.  When her body began rejecting these tubes and infection set in, an alternative experimental treatment was started, Botulinum toxin injected into the pylorus of the stomach.  Unfortunately, this experimental treatment was not covered by her insurance and her medical bills began to grow.  Fortunately, this procedure worked … until recently.  At this time, doctors are working hard to resolve this latest setback for Janet. 

Janet used to love volunteering at the local zoo and hospital when she was able, but eventually, her poor health prevented her from even that small pleasure in life.  She once had dreams of attending a culinary college.  She’s always loved cooking and baking and has an extensive recipe book collection.  Nowadays, she is too weak to cook and bake so she lives it through TV’s Food Network.  Janet also likes turtles, swimming and long hot bubble baths.

In addition to the Gastroparesis, Diabetes has ravaged her body with diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and renal failure.  Her hospital stays are numerous each year.  She has had surgery to gain back sight in her left eye and is awaiting additional eye surgeries.  Again, insurance does not cover all of the costs for this surgery.

Recently, Janet’s kidney’s failed completely and she began dialysis.  Her insurance does not cover the dialysis completely – over $700.00 per month is Janet’s responsibility.  Needless-to-say, she does not have this kind of money.  She is in need of and awaiting a Kidney/Pancreas transplant at Florida Hospital (Orlando, FL) and the co-pay costs associated with this as well as the post-transplant care for the rest of her life is well beyond her ability to pay without help. 

Janet is the 6^th child in a blended family of 11 brothers and sisters and lives in Melbourne, FL.  She attended W.J. Creel Elementary, Johnson Junior High, and Eau Gallie High schools.  She is one of our own. 

The last 17 years have been a long hard journey for Janet but she knows that all the physical challenges in her life are somehow a part of God’s plan for her.  They have humbled her to appreciate every moment of life, especially the moments that she feels well.  She is excited about having a Kidney/Pancreas transplant.  It is the light at the end of her tunnel and allows her to dream once again of having a chance at a happier life … to be able to experience other pleasures and opportunities and challenges that life has to offer … maybe even love and marriage!