Linda’s Liver, Chapter 4

Kay Moon and her daughter, in proper horse racing headgear.

From: Linda Logan

Sent: Friday, July 15, 2016 1:51 PM

Subject: Linda's Liver, part 4

Welcome to another episode of “Days of our Livers.”

First, thank you truly for your prayers and encouragement over the past (almost) year and a half.  With your support, my brilliant doctors and God’s grace, I’ve made great progress:

• MRI and PET scans show colon cancer remains isolated to my liver (mostly right side)

• Chemotherapy hasn’t wreaked havoc elsewhere (please look past the unibrow, mustache and acne)

• “Cancer marker” number (CEA) has dropped to 18 (!!) from the whopping 25,000 (!!) at original diagnosis

• Liver function is ~almost~ normal

• And I’ve gained some weight. (That’s a good thing in this case.)

After visiting with liver surgery specialist Goldstein again, and his subsequent consultation with his expert review panel, liver resection is back on the table!  Which means I could soon be CANCER FREE!

Goldstein warns, however, that surgery for me is a 50-50 proposition:  There’s a chance he’ll open me up, take a look and see a “chemo liver,” one that’s too ravaged by chemo.  In that case, he’ll back out and close me up.  I’ll go back to palliative care through maintenance chemo and live with the cancer. 

The other 50-percent chance is the one we want:  Goldstein sees a good-looking liver and is able to remove the cancerous parts.

We’re currently waiting for the surgery to be scheduled.  It should be in the next couple of weeks.

 So, I’m asking for a few more prayers and well wishes now.  I appreciate the strength of so many people behind me and will keep on fighting the good fight.

--Linda 

P.S.  Haven’t had a colonoscopy yet?  It’s breathtaking.  I suggest you try it.  Seriously, get over it and get your butt in there.