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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Surgery Is Over!
Dad is doing fine this evening. He's sleeping which is to be expected after surgery. He went into surgery around 1:00 pm and we we're able to see him around 4:00 pm. We were very pleased with his doctor and the doctor was pleased with the outcome. The doctor went in with "plan A" and came out performing "plan B".
You never really know what you're dealing with until you go in. The original plan was to go in and cut off the blood source to the tumor then inject it with chemo. He explained to us that the liver is like a tree with many branches (blood vessels). The location of the tumor was right in the middle of the two veins that supply the blood to the liver. Imagine the letter "V"...and right in the middle of that letter "V" is the tumor. He felt the blood supply of the tumor was from BOTH veins and those veins cannot be cut. So this is where "plan B" came into effect. He then decided to inject the entire "right" side of the liver with the chemo beads. He wants to take blood tests within the next couple weeks to see how his liver is reacting to the treatment and if Dad is not called in for a transplant between now and then he plans to do this procedure again this time to the "left" side.
The one disappointment the doctor expressed was in the original plan he was to also go in and treat the spleen with chemo in hopes of reducing it's enormous size. Because of the mess surrounding the spleen he could not to that. The spleen is so enlarged because it's eating his platelets which why his platelet count is so low.
The doctors ultimate goal is to SLOW down the growth of this tumor. The blessing is once Dad receives the liver transplant it will remove this tumor and the cancer on it. The exciting news is Dad has passed ALL the required tests to even be eligible/considered for a transplant. It was not until then would he be put on the list. With one more minor dental appointment next week...he will be placed on the list. When that happens...we're told it could be within 30 to 60 days. I will continue to update everyone with new information as it happens.
Thank you for the MANY prayers and encouraging words for Dad. You're all truly a blessing to us! It gives so much hope and confidence in knowing others are thinking and praying for you. God is good and his hand is on Dad. I'm excited to see what God will continue to do in his life!
You never really know what you're dealing with until you go in. The original plan was to go in and cut off the blood source to the tumor then inject it with chemo. He explained to us that the liver is like a tree with many branches (blood vessels). The location of the tumor was right in the middle of the two veins that supply the blood to the liver. Imagine the letter "V"...and right in the middle of that letter "V" is the tumor. He felt the blood supply of the tumor was from BOTH veins and those veins cannot be cut. So this is where "plan B" came into effect. He then decided to inject the entire "right" side of the liver with the chemo beads. He wants to take blood tests within the next couple weeks to see how his liver is reacting to the treatment and if Dad is not called in for a transplant between now and then he plans to do this procedure again this time to the "left" side.
The one disappointment the doctor expressed was in the original plan he was to also go in and treat the spleen with chemo in hopes of reducing it's enormous size. Because of the mess surrounding the spleen he could not to that. The spleen is so enlarged because it's eating his platelets which why his platelet count is so low.
The doctors ultimate goal is to SLOW down the growth of this tumor. The blessing is once Dad receives the liver transplant it will remove this tumor and the cancer on it. The exciting news is Dad has passed ALL the required tests to even be eligible/considered for a transplant. It was not until then would he be put on the list. With one more minor dental appointment next week...he will be placed on the list. When that happens...we're told it could be within 30 to 60 days. I will continue to update everyone with new information as it happens.
Thank you for the MANY prayers and encouraging words for Dad. You're all truly a blessing to us! It gives so much hope and confidence in knowing others are thinking and praying for you. God is good and his hand is on Dad. I'm excited to see what God will continue to do in his life!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday's Surgery
Wednesday, January 14th...
Dad is scheduled for his first surgery at the Florida Hospital, Orlando. His surgery will begin around 12 Noon. This surgery will involve going in to attack the tumor directly. His doctors plan is to go to the liver and cut off the blood supply (the vein), the LIFE support of the tumor and then inject directly into the tumor a heavy dose of chemo. We're praying the outcome of this surgery will shrink and kill off the cancer. The surgery will take approximately 2 - 3 hours. He will be admitted to the hospital to monitor him for atleast 24 hours. Please be in prayer...the doctor shared with him that this is a routine surgery and not to be concerned. Infact...my understanding is that he will not be put to sleep completely. With every surgery, Dad has to have a platelet transfusion to pump his body with platelets. Many of you know...platelets are what help you to stop bleeding so with his platelets always being low they have to increase his numbers for him to undergo surgeries.
Dad is scheduled for his first surgery at the Florida Hospital, Orlando. His surgery will begin around 12 Noon. This surgery will involve going in to attack the tumor directly. His doctors plan is to go to the liver and cut off the blood supply (the vein), the LIFE support of the tumor and then inject directly into the tumor a heavy dose of chemo. We're praying the outcome of this surgery will shrink and kill off the cancer. The surgery will take approximately 2 - 3 hours. He will be admitted to the hospital to monitor him for atleast 24 hours. Please be in prayer...the doctor shared with him that this is a routine surgery and not to be concerned. Infact...my understanding is that he will not be put to sleep completely. With every surgery, Dad has to have a platelet transfusion to pump his body with platelets. Many of you know...platelets are what help you to stop bleeding so with his platelets always being low they have to increase his numbers for him to undergo surgeries.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Journey Begins...
Hello everyone... welcome to my dad's blog! Since many of you have expressed your love and concern and interest in keeping up with my dad's situation...I have decided to put together a blog that will allow you to keep up to date with everything going on. My first post is the letter dad has written to friends and family explaining exactly what's going on.
You're welcome to leave a comment which can be found at the bottom of each post. I'm sure that my dad would love to hear your encouraging words and well wishes.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Dear Friends:
Happy New Year! I hope this season of the year continues to be a joyous one for you and your family. No doubt we all have much for which to be thankful.
On a very personal note, I have decided to write this letter inform my friends and family around the country for the purpose of requesting prayer concerning a recent development with regard to my health. I ask that you please forgive the exhaustive detail that follows. However, since it is indeed a small world and word spreads quickly (often times inaccurately) I wanted to share this news with you directly and to be as concise and thorough as possible concerning my condition.
One month ago, on December 2nd, I was diagnosed with primary liver cancer. This is a new development in what has been an on-going two-year journey in which I’ve experienced very low blood platelets; an enlarged spleen; and worsening liver complications.
Two years ago, after receiving treatment over a prolonged period of time with a number of oral medications for psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis condition, my blood platelets suddenly began to drop very swiftly and dramatically to alarming numbers. As a result, I was immediately taken off the medication and began extensive testing with a hematologist. The initial tests showed no sign of cancer but indicated that while I was producing platelets, they were being stored in my spleen due to my liver having sustained irreversible damage. This put me under the care of a reputable team of liver specialists here in Orlando. With this medical team’s guidance my condition has remained stable until recently when, during a routine schedule of blood work a few months ago, my tumor markings began to show a pattern of rising. This caused further intensification of my testing through blood work and scans. Three weeks ago an MRI revealed that I had a lesion on my liver. This was followed by a CT scan that revealed a tumor. And most recently, in a follow-up MRI using a special dye / contrast, the diagnosis of primary liver cancer was confirmed.
On a historical note, living with signs of a liver abnormality is not unfamiliar to me. For the past 20 years my blood work has evidenced elevated liver enzymes. And in the mid-nineties I underwent extensive testing – to include a liver biopsy - with results proving inconclusive. It was determined at that time that I’ve probably lived most of my life with a compromised liver – perhaps dating back as far as my early teens when I had a bout with hepatitis – and that I am among the 1% of the population that “would always show an elevation in my liver enzyme count.” Now fast forward to two years ago when my liver ailments started showing signs of greater severity - bringing me to where I am today.
In the midst of challenge, it is always important for us to attempt to find the blessings. And the blessings in this case appear to be that, due to the very close observation I’ve been under for the past two years, this cancer has been discovered very early in its development; has originated in - and is confined to - the liver; and is a treatable condition with the treatment option being a liver transplant possibly as early as within the next few months. Since my condition is considered irreversible, surgery alone to remove the cancerous tumor from the liver is not considered an option. Tests are, therefore, now being scheduled to receive the clearance necessary to place me on the national donor recipient list.
I ask for your prayers for all God has planned for my life in 2009. Also for Geri as she stands faithfully and supportively by my side through the process. We rest in the fact that God is faithful – and sovereign – and is in control of all things.
Tom
Happy New Year! I hope this season of the year continues to be a joyous one for you and your family. No doubt we all have much for which to be thankful.
On a very personal note, I have decided to write this letter inform my friends and family around the country for the purpose of requesting prayer concerning a recent development with regard to my health. I ask that you please forgive the exhaustive detail that follows. However, since it is indeed a small world and word spreads quickly (often times inaccurately) I wanted to share this news with you directly and to be as concise and thorough as possible concerning my condition.
One month ago, on December 2nd, I was diagnosed with primary liver cancer. This is a new development in what has been an on-going two-year journey in which I’ve experienced very low blood platelets; an enlarged spleen; and worsening liver complications.
Two years ago, after receiving treatment over a prolonged period of time with a number of oral medications for psoriasis / psoriatic arthritis condition, my blood platelets suddenly began to drop very swiftly and dramatically to alarming numbers. As a result, I was immediately taken off the medication and began extensive testing with a hematologist. The initial tests showed no sign of cancer but indicated that while I was producing platelets, they were being stored in my spleen due to my liver having sustained irreversible damage. This put me under the care of a reputable team of liver specialists here in Orlando. With this medical team’s guidance my condition has remained stable until recently when, during a routine schedule of blood work a few months ago, my tumor markings began to show a pattern of rising. This caused further intensification of my testing through blood work and scans. Three weeks ago an MRI revealed that I had a lesion on my liver. This was followed by a CT scan that revealed a tumor. And most recently, in a follow-up MRI using a special dye / contrast, the diagnosis of primary liver cancer was confirmed.
On a historical note, living with signs of a liver abnormality is not unfamiliar to me. For the past 20 years my blood work has evidenced elevated liver enzymes. And in the mid-nineties I underwent extensive testing – to include a liver biopsy - with results proving inconclusive. It was determined at that time that I’ve probably lived most of my life with a compromised liver – perhaps dating back as far as my early teens when I had a bout with hepatitis – and that I am among the 1% of the population that “would always show an elevation in my liver enzyme count.” Now fast forward to two years ago when my liver ailments started showing signs of greater severity - bringing me to where I am today.
In the midst of challenge, it is always important for us to attempt to find the blessings. And the blessings in this case appear to be that, due to the very close observation I’ve been under for the past two years, this cancer has been discovered very early in its development; has originated in - and is confined to - the liver; and is a treatable condition with the treatment option being a liver transplant possibly as early as within the next few months. Since my condition is considered irreversible, surgery alone to remove the cancerous tumor from the liver is not considered an option. Tests are, therefore, now being scheduled to receive the clearance necessary to place me on the national donor recipient list.
I ask for your prayers for all God has planned for my life in 2009. Also for Geri as she stands faithfully and supportively by my side through the process. We rest in the fact that God is faithful – and sovereign – and is in control of all things.
Tom
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