Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 My understanding is that the liver enlarges at first when it becomes sick, and then toward liver failure it shrinks. I bet your liver was enlarged at some point, you just were not aware of it. I suppose that is a good thing - less time in your life spent worrying and being anxious. But now it's time for you to be listed for a transplant, since you are in Stage 4. You want to have the transplant team aware of your case, and you want all the preliminary work done and out of the way. If you are not aware of the listing process, then I would suggest that you start educating yourself. It may help to go to a Liver Support Group by the American Liver Foundation (check their website for times & locations). Marie To: From: heartrn45@...Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:57:23 +0000Subject: The shrinking liver I was diagnosised in May of '07 stage 4. Cirrhosis in both lobes. Had never had any abnormal labs before this date. I just had an ultrasound done and bloodwork and hopefully will know the results tomorrow. The girl who did my ultrasound said wow, your liver has gotten much smaller. I have read that with PSC some people do not get the enlarged liver that typical cirrhosis causes, but the liver shrinks. She thought the blood flow looked pretty good and did not indicate any portal hypertension. Does anyone know, does this mean I may skip the enlarged liver part and go into decompensation sooner? See how Windows® connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life Click here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 -----Original Message----- But now it's time for you to be listed for a transplant, since you are in Stage 4. Ken was stage 4 (end-stage, cirrhosis) for 7 years! Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight - Whatever it Takes! Son Ken (34) UC 91 PSC 99, LTX 6/21 & 6/30 2007 @ Baylor/Dallas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 -----Original Message----- But now it's time for you to be listed for a transplant, since you are in Stage 4. Ken was stage 4 (end-stage, cirrhosis) for 7 years! Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight - Whatever it Takes! Son Ken (34) UC 91 PSC 99, LTX 6/21 & 6/30 2007 @ Baylor/Dallas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2008 Report Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hi ,I would post your question again. This isn't my area of expertise or experience, so I'm not sure any questions I come up with would be worth while.Here goes:1. What is the size of the mass?2. What are the options as to what the mass is?3. If the mass is cancerous, what are my best options?4. Will my insurance pay for treatment at the Mayo Clinic? (One of the leading institutes in dealing with liver & bile duct cancers)5. Is this a liver cancer or bile duct cancer?6. How soon can treatment begin? (the sooner the better - push hard for speedy treatment. I know someone in my liver support group who didn't push, and now he is considered terminal - the tumor grew while the medical team dilly-dallied - it's too heart-breaking for words)7. What are the options for a liver transplant?8. Can the cancer be surgically removed?9. Is chemo or radiation an option? (As I recall, chemo doesn't work on primary liver cancers)10. Is this a primary liver cancer or bile duct cancer? (i.e. originating in the liver or bile ducts)Best of luck to you and keep us informed of what is going on.-MarieMarie To: From: heartrn45@...Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:10:30 +0000Subject: Re: The shrinking liver I am listed at Baylor All Saints and Baylor. In fact I am going Thursday for some test since my ultrasound showed a "mass or something" last week. I posted a post about looking for help with questions, but have not got any replies. (Hope Ken is doing well) Thanks, PSC 5/07 Listed Windows Live Hotmail now works up to 70% faster. Sign up today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2008 Report Share Posted November 9, 2008 Hi ,I would post your question again. This isn't my area of expertise or experience, so I'm not sure any questions I come up with would be worth while.Here goes:1. What is the size of the mass?2. What are the options as to what the mass is?3. If the mass is cancerous, what are my best options?4. Will my insurance pay for treatment at the Mayo Clinic? (One of the leading institutes in dealing with liver & bile duct cancers)5. Is this a liver cancer or bile duct cancer?6. How soon can treatment begin? (the sooner the better - push hard for speedy treatment. I know someone in my liver support group who didn't push, and now he is considered terminal - the tumor grew while the medical team dilly-dallied - it's too heart-breaking for words)7. What are the options for a liver transplant?8. Can the cancer be surgically removed?9. Is chemo or radiation an option? (As I recall, chemo doesn't work on primary liver cancers)10. Is this a primary liver cancer or bile duct cancer? (i.e. originating in the liver or bile ducts)Best of luck to you and keep us informed of what is going on.-MarieMarie To: From: heartrn45@...Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:10:30 +0000Subject: Re: The shrinking liver I am listed at Baylor All Saints and Baylor. In fact I am going Thursday for some test since my ultrasound showed a "mass or something" last week. I posted a post about looking for help with questions, but have not got any replies. (Hope Ken is doing well) Thanks, PSC 5/07 Listed Windows Live Hotmail now works up to 70% faster. Sign up today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.