How it begins.....

My husband (Scott) and I met with my Gastroenterologist, Dr. King last week. After a year full of hospitalizations for chronic pancreatitis, we decided that the next step for me is going to a Pancreatic Surgeon in Minnesota. As much as we have tried to avoid the possibilty of having my pancreas removed, we decided that is the BEST option to end a year full of frustration and pain. I emailed Dr. Sutherland at The University of Minnesota Thursday morning and he replied that same day!!! He told me to have my medical records sent to his office as soon as possible and that he and his team would review my case. That day I called every hospital and had my records sent. I typed up my medical history and emailed it to Dr. Sutherland. The next morning I recieved another email from him! I was so amazed at how quick he responded! He said that after reading my medical history I was certainly a candidate for the Auto Islet Cell Transplant and that he would put me in contact with the RN of the Transplant Center. I replied thanking him for emailing me back and asked if we would fly out for an intial meeting and schedule a surgery date or would we fly out and meet/ have the surgery the same week. He once again emailed me right back and said they would do their best to schedule one flight out, but could not promise. I have not met Dr. Sutherland yet, but I already feel the passion he has for his patients and doing all he can to make them feel well again. Dr. Sutherland and his team will meet this week about my case. They will call after the meeting to set up an appointment. I will update you all as soon as I find out.