Well there is no way to put a happy face on this latest news. I had alerted earlier but today we heard direct from Dr. Stribling that I "do not meet the criteria for listing from liver transplant due to extrahepatic (outside the liver) spread of cancer". This is primarily due to the involvement of one of the lesions with the inferior vena cava (IVC) which is a major vessel servicing the liver. They make this determination even though the metastatic workup did not indicate that cancer had taken hold anywhere else.
The other shoe was a negative response to the question that if I beat the cancer could I be re-evaluated for a transplant. She then contradicted herself by saying that if I am cancer free for a year or so and get sick again, then I could be evaluated again.
As my liver function is normal now and I am still reasonably well, I will focus on beating the cancer. Then if Baylor Colloge of Medicine will not re-evaluate my case I will try the MAYO clinic that does liver transplants as well.
With or without transplant makes a big difference on life expectancy for someone with my condition. I hesitate to state any estimates as the statistics are all over the map. Instead I will give some real examples. I posted earlier that we met a transplant candidate with a similar diagnosis that had been waiting for 4 years. As for the transplant option my neighbor is going on 10+ years.
You are such a soldier and an inspiration to us all! Keep up the fight! We march with you and support you from behind! We love you!
ReplyDeleteI know that this has been hard on you and your family. Keep on being strong and searching for options. Cures are out there. Hope you can remain healthy and continue to enjoy your life. I love and support you. Cathie
ReplyDeleteRay, we continue to pray for you, and for your family. I'm glad to hear you're feeling stronger in some ways.
ReplyDeleteSue.