6 Months Since the Transplant
During the past 3 weeks Eric has done a lot. He began Systemic Chemo (traditional) via IV. Amazingly enough, he has had very little side effect. He was tired that evening of treatment and then felt great the next day.
As Eric shared in his last blog post, the CT scan in August showed a 5cm tumor that has developed in his new liver. Yes, the cancer has reinfected it. Apparently, this tumor was on the July CT scan but was, either not noticed or just not told to us. However, comparing the 2 CT scans which are 4 weeks apart, it is obvious that this tumor is quite aggressive. Growing more than 4 times in size in 4 weeks. With this aggressiveness it was clear that we needed to be doing more than this traditional Chemo. We suggested doing an Embylization to block the blood supply to the tumor. One oncologist wasn't to keen on the idea, but Eric's post transplant doctor at UCSF was agreeing that we needed to do something about the liver tumor. Since it was in a position to cause liver failure than the lung tumors that seem to be just hanging out.
So know I am actually sitting here at the hospital as I type. Waiting for Eric to come out of the procedure room. Of course there is risk in doing this procedure, as with anything there are levels of risk. We are optimistic that he will complete this with no issues. Just like everything else he has endured.
It's strange. Someone mention to me the other day, that we are fortunate to know so much. By knowing so much about this Liver Cancer and various procedures and treatments. It has managed to give us a voice on how we want to proceed with treatment. Without it, I would have no clue of what to ask and would end up completely relying on one doctors suggestions. I guess you could say We've been around this block.
Oh and one last thing to mention. Tomorrow night, September 22,2006, there will be a show called California Connection, televised be PBS. You will need to check your local channels to find the time in your area. I do know here in the bay area it on KQED at 7pm. Eric, had an interview back in July with them and they are finally airing it. Should be quite interesting. The show is discussing our US medical industry and the transplant waiting lists.
Enjoy the show and again Thank you to everyone for their support.
Lori De Leon
As Eric shared in his last blog post, the CT scan in August showed a 5cm tumor that has developed in his new liver. Yes, the cancer has reinfected it. Apparently, this tumor was on the July CT scan but was, either not noticed or just not told to us. However, comparing the 2 CT scans which are 4 weeks apart, it is obvious that this tumor is quite aggressive. Growing more than 4 times in size in 4 weeks. With this aggressiveness it was clear that we needed to be doing more than this traditional Chemo. We suggested doing an Embylization to block the blood supply to the tumor. One oncologist wasn't to keen on the idea, but Eric's post transplant doctor at UCSF was agreeing that we needed to do something about the liver tumor. Since it was in a position to cause liver failure than the lung tumors that seem to be just hanging out.
So know I am actually sitting here at the hospital as I type. Waiting for Eric to come out of the procedure room. Of course there is risk in doing this procedure, as with anything there are levels of risk. We are optimistic that he will complete this with no issues. Just like everything else he has endured.
It's strange. Someone mention to me the other day, that we are fortunate to know so much. By knowing so much about this Liver Cancer and various procedures and treatments. It has managed to give us a voice on how we want to proceed with treatment. Without it, I would have no clue of what to ask and would end up completely relying on one doctors suggestions. I guess you could say We've been around this block.
Oh and one last thing to mention. Tomorrow night, September 22,2006, there will be a show called California Connection, televised be PBS. You will need to check your local channels to find the time in your area. I do know here in the bay area it on KQED at 7pm. Eric, had an interview back in July with them and they are finally airing it. Should be quite interesting. The show is discussing our US medical industry and the transplant waiting lists.
Enjoy the show and again Thank you to everyone for their support.
Lori De Leon
posted by TransplanTraveler @ 9:33 AM
1 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Post a Comment
<< Home