Hcc Opinions

Hello everyone, I was diagnosed in May 2006, with HCC, Cirrosis, Hep C positive. Two tumors were identified in the right lobe, 1 - 8.5cm tumor as well as 1 - 1.4 cm tumor both in the right lobe. Doctors say carrying the Hep C virus for 30 years was probably my cancer trigger. Chief liver surgeon says it is non-operable. I have gone through 2 rounds of chemoembolization. Doctors say the chemo was very effective. Transplant is the only option at this point, so I am looking for a living donor. The chemoemboloization worked well, but all of the contrast agents administered as well as the chemo drugs are now causing kidney failure. I am stage 4, my GFR is 22, just above the need for dialisys. So I now need a liver/kidney transplant. Another interesting note:My AFP has always been normal (below 10) ALT is normal and AST is and always has been slightly elevated. Has anyone out there had a similar experience? Doctors will not offer up a guess on my life expectancy at this point. All they will say is I need a liver within a year or so. I have tried 2 different treatment regimens to cure the HEP C and actually had a zero count on my HCV test for 6 months while on Pegasys and Co-Pegus (now back at 5 million). I am hoping that someone who has experienced a similar situation will answer this post, share teatment strategies, etc...

Thanks in advance and I wish everyone on this board who is battling cancer the very best.

Just don't worry about the 'guesses' on your life expectancy. They do not factor in human spirit and will to live. Make your own destiny. If we'd have listened to my dad's first doctors, we'd never have just had his second year anniversary of his diagnosis and he wouldn't be doing as super as he is. find docs that will fight with you and for you. when you are talking the liver...there is no one better than dr. david geller at the university of pittsburgh medical center. check out their web site and let Dr. Geller help you...you won't be sorry!

My prayers are with you!

 

On 12/28/2006 Weadocm wrote:

Just don't worry about the 'guesses' on your life expectancy. They do not factor in human spirit and will to live. Make your own destiny. If we'd have listened to my dad's first doctors, we'd never have just had his second year anniversary of his diagnosis and he wouldn't be doing as super as he is. find docs that will fight with you and for you. when you are talking the liver...there is no one better than dr. david geller at the university of pittsburgh medical center. check out their web site and let Dr. Geller help you...you won't be sorry!

My prayers are with you!

You sound pretty sold on Dr. Gellar in Pittsburgh. I live in Minnesota, clinincs and doctors are Mayo. Transplant to be done at the University of Minnesota. Do you think Dr. Gellar would have a different opinion about an almost 9cm HCC tumor, or do you think he may have other treatment options not available to me here at Mayo? I was actually not that concerned about my life expectancy. Monitoring the tumor progression will tell me all I need to know about that when the time comes. I am off to check the website now. Thanks!

Just wanted to update my condition. I am scheduled for transplant on Wednesday and my son is going to donate the right lobe of his liver to me. A neighbor and dear friend will donate the kidney. It's gonna be a bumpy ride but it beats the alternative. Wish me luck!