A lot has happened since 2014. Let me first get you up to speed so you have a better understanding as to why I'm writing this:
On March 1, 2014, I went to the ER with severe
abdominal pain. In order to rule out diverticulitis, the doctor ordered a
CT
scan. While the CT scan was inconclusive to the cause of my abdominal
pain, the
CT scan revealed an "abnormality" on my liver. The ER doctor didn't
elaborate other than scheduling an MRI early the following week would be
a good idea.
The
following week, I met with my doctor. She revealed to me
that the CT scan had shown a 6.6cm x 6.8 cm mass on my liver. While the
type of mass could not be determined, the radiologist did
not believe the mass was cancerous. On the other hand, the location of
the mass was vascular, so the doctor preferred not to biopsy unless we
absolutely felt it was necessary.
I went in for an MRI and the results
revealed that the mass was approximately 3 inches in diameter.
Unfortunately, the type of mass was still not determined. The
radiologist from the MRI consulted with a Gastrointestinal doctor
about the mass and they felt my "case" would be best approached by a
team of oncologist that met weekly to review cases and develop
a treatment/action plans. This weekly "Cancer Conference" was through the Virginia
Piper Cancer Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
The
biggest concerns surrounding my mass were the type and location. My case was reviewed and result was a Hepatocellular (Liver) Adenoma. You know how most prescription commercials on TV have a
list of "possible side effects include...", well, apparently my little adenoma, "Peanut", was one of the rare side effects of high
estrogen birth control. It was determined by the team of oncologist that I should undergo a process called a bland embolization. After a mass
becomes larger than 5cm, there is concern about rupture. Well, my little
peanut was pushing 7.5x6.5cm. The embolization would cut off the bloo supply, and in hopes, would cause the mass to shrink.
During the embolization, they conducted a biopsy. The good news was the biopsy was negative for cancer. However, my follow up MRI in July 2014, revealed that the mass had not shrunk. My scans were brought back to the "Cancer Conference," the team who initially reviewed my case. At this point, my mass was now measuring 8.5 cm, so the team recommended surgery be schedule within the next few weeks.
On August 20, 2014, my surgery was scheduled. What was expected to be 5-7 hours, ended up being just shy of 10 hours. The mass was much harder to resect than they had expected....and I guess I loss a lot of blood in the process. The surgeon had hoped to take more of the mass than she was able to, but unfortunately, the mass was pushed up against my aorta and so she didn't want to take any unnecessary risk.
The 10 weeks of recovery were the most difficult and trying times I have ever experience. Beyond the physical recovery, the mental stress was unbelievable. I can honestly say, I had moments where I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Going from active and go-go-go all the time, to basically bed rest for 6 weeks and no lifting for 8 weeks sucked. You don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles until you've had major surgery and had all of them cut!
In February of 2015, I had my 6-month follow-up MRI. Peanut appears to be gone and while the area appears to be abnormal, that's normal for having 60% of your liver removed. However, while looking over the MRI, the Doctor mentioned that there appears to be another mass. This size of the mass is minimal, however, it is something recommend we monitor.
So now we're almost to the present day. In August 2015, I had my 1 year follow-up. I should mention that I now have MRIs every 6 months to track and monitor my liver. At this appointment, the new mass (macadamia) is still present. Based on the results of this new mass, they have determined that my mass has not be caused by the side effect of estrogen birth control. It appears that it might just be something in my genes.
So, where does that leave things? MRI follow up again in 6 months (February 2016). If it appears that this mass is growing as well, we will need to discuss things further. So there are two major concerns now. The first is that this type of adenoma is more "fatty" meaning a much higher risk for cancer. The second concern is the risks of another surgery. Due to the amount of scar tissue I now have, there is a much higher mortality rate for surgery...as in my Doctor said he would tell anyone that having this surgery should be a last resort. I also received the news that because of the type of mass, pregnancy would mean that I would have to have the mass removed first since hormones will feed the mass. And since surgery should be off the table for options, I have basically been told I cannot get pregnant.
OK, so that's the background of the last year. So now back to the purpose of this blog. Well, I'm either fine and the mass is not growing, or the mass is growing and I have to risk rupture or have it removed and risk my life. I have lost the most influential person in my life and have realized just how precious life is. Tomorrow is never promised.
I am writing this blog for many reasons, but primarily for me. Writing has always been a productive outlet for me. It gives me the inner peace that I need, and allows me to process and keep myself grounded.
It's time I put my life's motto at the forefront. "The things we regret in life are the risks we didn't take." And I have not intentions of leaving this life with regret......
