Within a few days of the 5K, we met with a local surgeon who is well known in Utah as the #1 liver transplant and resection surgeon in the State. My Ongologist had recommended we at least meet with him to see what his opinion was about my possibilities for a potential liver resection. A liver resection is crucial to a Stage IV Cancer Survivor with metastasis to the liver only, as it provides a path to a cure.
The Surgeon proceeded to explain the liver and it's function within the human anatomy. He explained the lobes and sections and the livers miraculous ability to regenerate. He described how, in resection cases, a patient needs to have at least two sections remaining (of 8) to live, and those two sections must be about 40 percent of the physical size of a normal liver after resection.
Then, he said something I'll never forget. "You're fortunate to have the Oncologist you have. Most wouldn't have even given you a chance for a consultation with me." He went on to explain that after careful examination of my imaging (CT and PET) that he believes I have my far two left lobe sections that are healthy enough for resection. He explained that he would need an MRI of my liver to confirm.
Within two days, I had the MRI done (really annoying, btw) and was back in his office. He showed Kim and I the images and confirmed that I was eligible, in his opinion, to have a liver resection. He recommended we do it ASAP, as he is not a fan of adding more toxicity to the liver through additional Chemotherapy.
He went on to describe how he would perform the procedure and the potential risks. One issue we have to solve is that the two sections that will remain and operate as my liver are the smallest sections and we would need to promote growth of these sections prior to resection.
We talked about three options to grow the sections. One was to have a Portal Vein Embolization. This is a procedure where a special type of glue is injected into the Portal Vein of lobe that is to be removed. This sends the nutrients used to promote healthy cell growth to the lobe that will remain, and it begins to grow. This is a process that promotes about 70% growth over a 4-5 week period.
The second option is to open me up (gross!) and perform most of the cuts that would be used during the actual resection, minus the final cuts that would be used to remove the unwanted side of the liver. Then, the Portal Vein would be closed permanently on the right lobe. This is known as an ALPPS procedure (mentioned on a recent Greys Anatomy episode, btw). This promotes rapid growth of the remaining liver section over a 9-10 day period. I would be closed back up and wait in the hospital until the right amount of growth is achieved and then they would go back in to finish the resection.
The third option, also the option we chose, is to do the Portal Vein Embolization, and then, if needed, the ALPPS procedure.
I had the Portal Vein Embolization done in mid-October and I've felt the liver growth over the last 4 weeks!
The Dr. that performed the Portal Vein Embolization described my Surgeon's game plan as a "Heroic Plan". I said "Wait a second, Heroic as impossible?" And she said, "No, if anyone can do it, it's him and if it were me, I'd choose to do it as well!"
So, on November 22, 2017, I go in to get a liver resection!
I'll keep everyone updated after the surgery.
Thank you for for all the support, thoughts and prayers!
Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for keeping us posted on everything! Always thinking of you man.
ReplyDeleteI am crying like a baby. This is great news. You are in my thoughts and prayers and heavenly Father is amazing. I love you so much. Please tell me when I can come see you. I am no longer sick so I am safe to see you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Clint! Our prayers are with you and your family that everything will go well. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!
ReplyDeleteGreat reading this Clint, love you brother. We will be praying for you. Light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright!
ReplyDeleteYou may not even remember me (as Vicki Glaeser), but I will be praying for you..especially on this day, Clint. And do you know what I remember most about you? Your super bright smile. Always smiling. You are doing an AMAZING thing sharing your story. THANK YOU.
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