2-stage liver resection -- boo. update at end

[sdp]

Maia,

Small correction please. The technique was pioneered in Germany by dr hans schlitt and is being widely used by dr santabanes at Italiano hospital. I was all set to meet him and get my resection done there and on way I made a stop in Germany and met dr hans schlitt - and ever since I have been coming to germany for my treatments ( other than chemo ) .

I was pointed to the ALPPS by dr dave Geller at UPMC. He is also a great surgeon from what I hear. So, in usa there are many good surgeons one can choose from.

[Maia]

Oh, sorry, that was my bad English -by 'pioneered' I meant that Dr Santibañes was among the firsts to do it, not that he was the 'inventor' (A bit about the history of ALPPS, with reference to Dr Schlitt's 'discovering' of it, by Dr Santibañes himself, here). My reference 'as sdp knows it' is because I read you, in other board, time ago, mentioning this surgeon. Because he's from my country, and in my country (Argentina), I remembered that -I'm kind of proud we have 3 surgeons doing this down here, in the butt of the world!

[Rheaeliza]

Skypup!

Great news! I haven't had two-stage resection but I will say this: liver resection was easier than my others, my abdominal surgeries. I did spend two nights in the step down unit (I guess like the ICU junior) and needed a blood transfusion. But then just two nights in a regular room, and home! I was more exhausted after liver surgery (would sleep 10pm til 9 am!) but it was good, solid, restorative sleep! Physically and mentally it was a better recovery. I had it November 4th (a little over 2 months after HIPEC, less than two month after abcesses clean out and ostomy surgery) but by Christmas I had a dinner party at my home, did all the cooking, had some wine, and stayed up til 2am!!!

Keep us posted!!!

[stephenlamb]

My wife had the first stage done n august and the second Dec 10. The first one wasn't bad She was ready to go back to wrk after 6 wks. The second one seemed the same, one more day n the hospital but her energy still isn't back. She was on maintenance chemo the following three months and still was exhausted. Not sire if it was because they were so close together or what but this has been tuff and continues to be. Well we dis just get back from jamaica and she was able to enjoy it

[Hall0731]

Sky pup,

I had my two sided liver resection at mda in January with dr.conrad. I was there from Thursday to Sunday. Had the 12 inch incision down the abdomen. Removed 5 mets, still having the lung nodule to deal with. Had 4 round of chemo before and 2 after before lung surgery. I recovered pretty quickly .minimal blood loss. You are in great hands witch dr.vauthey. The care there is great. Food is good. Be prepared to walk though.

[tnt23]

Hi Sky Pup,

My 23 year old daughter just went through a 2 stage liver resection this year at MD- 5 mets on her liver. Stage 1 was a wedge removed out of her left lobe. The did it Laroscopic 3 nights in the hospital. 8 days later did a portal vein embolization to make her left side grow more. Her liver volume grew to 33 per cent in the segment removed. Our liver surgeon was looking for 40 per cent due to her age and the fact she had only had 4 round of chemo. They went ahead and removed her entire right love on 4/3 via open surgery. She was in the hospital 5 nights. First week was rough but although tired is only on advil now and is doing wonderful walking everyday. Dr. Claudius Conrad is an amazing surgeon. He told us only 1 out of 10 surgeons would have attempted what they did for her. Wish you the very best for your procedure.

[skypup]

You are in great hands witch dr.vauthey.

I like the thought of a Swiss witch doctor! LOL

Will be meeting him in about half an hour.... fingers crossed!!!

[dianne052506]

Just checking in -- waiting for good news.
Dianne

[skypup]

Well, sometimes the medical business just makes me so mad. After "detailed review" I am not a candidate, not enough liver without history of cancer. Now why they could not have done this review BEFORE I drove 4 hours each way, had to spend $$$ for gas and hotel, and cooled my heels in waiting rooms for over 3 hours so far (and still counting), is absolutely beyond me. Well, I do know why. It's because... well, I'm not going to rant further...

So the surgeon blows smoke at me about all the new exciting chemo drugs. Like Stivarga, says I? Which one is that, says he? Arghhhhh!!!!!

Breaking news, this just in: the doc is ordering an ultrasound for a suspected blood clot in my leg since my left ankle is swollen. The fun never ends!

[Maia]

So the surgeon blows smoke at me about all the new exciting chemo drugs. Like Stivarga, says I? Which one is that, says he? Arghhhhh!!!!!

Oh boy. Sorry about the waiting, time, energy, money but... Onward, my friend. Plan B -an C, D and E : )

The ultrasound is needed for your peace of mind, let's hope it's nothing! I'm giving you such a biiiig hug.

[juliej]

How frustrating, Skypuppy! All that time and effort just to be turned down! However, I did notice you weren't turned down based on the LN mets, which means another surgeon might have another idea. What about RFA? Also, do the docs know for sure that the new liver things aren't hemangiomas, cysts, etc.? I remember you had some larger hypodensities that have been stable for many years.

Hope the suspected blood clot turns out to be nothing!

Big hugs to you!
Julie

[Rheaeliza]

Ugh, skypup, how frustrating!!!!!

[Guinevere]

Well, crap, Sky! Major sucknitude! Let know if there is a clot. I'm praying for you, girl!

God bless ~
Guinevere

[southernkiwi]

Wow, really sorry to hear this. The outcome & the experience are dismaying, at least for now. I hope they come up with something better.

[Bev G]

((((((((((((Skypuppy))))))))))) No words. I got nothing. Well, I do have a big ear to scream in if you want one...just say the word, I'll send you my phone number. Love you, little puppy!