We spoke with Dr Corvera at UCSF, today:
We received a lot of information and found out the tumor extends into Dennis's artery, that is in his liver. They will end up needing to remove 70-80% of his liver. But, right now his liver is too small. There is a procedure to help with that. They will place a wire through his chest and into his liver to block his portal vein. That will cut off the blood supply to the right side of the liver. This tricks the right side of the liver to think that the left side has died. That will cause a blood vessel near his stomach to take over and supply the blood to his liver's right side. This takes about 6 weeks for the liver to grow. (if they were to remove that amount of his liver right now, without trying to grow the right side first, he would most likely go into liver failure)
We also will need to go to UCSF for Dennis to have a sophisticated CT scan that will map out Dennis's liver so the doctor can see everything more clearly and make a plan for surgery.
Both the 1st procedure and the CT scan will get scheduled as soon as possible and hopefully can be done a day apart since we live so far away and stay in a hotel, overnight.
We'll have a follow-up video appointment with Dr Corvera on May 31st.
Surgery is tentatively scheduled for June 29th.
Since there is a chance to save his liver, he doesn't qualify for a liver transplant. We are so thankful that the liver can regenerate itself!
This was a lot of information to take in and process. It's been an emotional afternoon for me. Dennis continues to be in good spirits and strong, I appreciate him for that.
We are so blessed with family, church family, and a multitude of friends who shower us with their love and support.
We can't imagine what it would be like to do this without everyone.
As you well know, I don't do daily updates, but, will post when we have some dates for the procedure and the CT scan.
'For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."
Isaiah 41:13
Blessings,
Sharon and Dennis
We love you uncle Dennis aunt Sharon and family !! You're in our and my continued prayers of strength, healing, faith and comfort. You will beat this! 🙏🙏❤
ReplyDeleteThank you for the detailed summary of Dennis’ condition and the plan that the doctors have laid out at this time. We are thankful for skilled & caring medical experts, and most thankful to our loving Father in heaven that listens to our prayers. You all remain in our fervent prayers. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteBrent & Vicki
Hi Sharon, I’m so sorry that it has been so long since we last talked. I knew from talking with you that Dennis wasn’t feeling well but never dreamt about anything so serious.
ReplyDeleteI love you both and will be thinking of Dennis and you.
My email address is dansdaze@comcast .net
I’m not on any social media but David can keep me informed if that is the easiest for you. Love, uncle Dan
Keeping you all in prayer..
ReplyDelete