No Surgery For Now

The surgeon has decided to postpone surgery for the time being due to the enlarged spleen causing high pressure in the liver.  She said surgery could do more harm than good at this point.  She is proposing chemo and radiation (she said it actually can work on this type of cancer) to at least shrink the tumor and consider surgery at a later date.  This plan could change as early as next week after she consults with some of her colleagues.

Colon Update

There is no cancer in the colon.  The liver is the only source of cancer.  This is great and pretty amazing news, considering how rare it is for this to be the case.  We are very thankful!  We'll post an update after Mike meets with the surgeon.

Surgery Appointment

Mike's consult appointment with the surgeon was rescheduled (by the surgeon) for next Friday, May 28.  We won't know until then when the surgery is going to take place, unless he's able to get in sooner for a consult.  The surgeon apparently only has office hours two days a week.

Good News

We found out today that the liver is the primary source of cancer.  This is very good news.  There is a "hot spot" on the colon that will be checked before the surgery, but if it is cancerous, the surgeon will be able to remove it also.  The doctor said this prognosis was good and is very optimistic. 

Thanks for support and prayers!  Mike isn't out of the woods yet because he's still facing the surgery to remove part of his liver, but things are looking up.  Please continue to keep him in your thoughts!  We'll let you know when the surgery has been scheduled.

Appointment Today

Mike has an appointment at 10:30 to learn the results of the PET scan.  Please keep him in your thoughts and pray that it goes well! 

Where We're At Right Now

Mike has been diagnosed with liver cancer.  He has a 5cm by 5 cm mass on his liver.  This type of cancer is rare in someone who has never had HIV, cirrhosis, hepatitis or a blood transfusion, so he may have cancer elsewhere that has spread to his liver.  On Monday, May 17, he'll go in for a PET scan which should show if there is cancer present in other organs.  The results should be available by Tuesday.

The liver cancer is not treatable by radiation or chemo.  Right now Mike is looking at surgery to remove up to one third of the liver.  The surgery will take place at IU in downtown Indy, but the date is still TBA.  He could be in the hospital for 8-14 days following the procedure.

Prayers would be much appreciated!  Thank you for the support!