We took a trip downtown today to see Dr. Curley, liver specialist, at MD Anderson. Dr. Coscio wanted James to meet Dr. Curley before surgery and for Dr. Curley to get a feel for James' chart. This visit brought on a new plan. We will see Dr. Coscio tomorrow and if she agrees, the new schedule will be as follows:
- No more chemo. Dr. Curley feels the tumor is now manageable and operable. More chemo at this point would require more time to recover from the damages of chemo thus putting surgery off longer.
- James will take the next four weeks to prepare his body for surgery. Low fat/High protein diet and daily exercise are a must. Chemotherapy is hard on all organs especially the lungs, kidneys and liver. Over the next month, James' liver will have a chance to rest and his lungs will have a chance to heal from any damage the chemo has done.
- After we see Dr. Coscio tomorrow, we will know for sure but as it stands now, James is scheduled to have surgery March 17 at MD Anderson Downtown. Dr. Curley will remove the right lobe of the liver which includes the gallbladder. Surgery will last 2-3 hours. James will be hospitalized for 5-7 days following surgery.
- Recovery will take 6-8 weeks. The liver is the only organ in the human body to regenerate itself. The regeneration process only takes about six week during which James can expect to be pretty tired and worn down. Due to the nature of his work, the doctors are not likely to release him to return to work for ten weeks after surgery to ensure complete healing inside and out.
- According to Dr. Curley, chemo after surgery is still possible.
For now, James is feeling well and has fishing plans for tomorrow morning! He will go tomorrow afternoon for blood work and appointment with Dr. Coscio. We will discuss Dr. Curley's recommendations and go from there. Please pray James stays well and healthy so he does not have to be hospitalized this weekend as he has the last two rounds and that we will catch plenty of fish tomorrow!!! I will update tomorrow with the results of the appointment and fishing trip!
Stay tuned!!!
Amy
We just wanted to send some love to all of our blog followers! We are blessed by each and everyone of you! We are so grateful for every call, card, email, and comment we have recieved! Thank you so very much for loving and praying for us! May God bless you all!
Happy Valentine's Day!
James and Amy
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
I am sorry I have not been more regular with posting but there hasn't been much to tell. Yesterday, James started his 3rd chemo treatment which means we are half way done with chemo! Here's where we stand now...
~ The scans done on Thursday showed the tumor has decreased from 13 cm to 8 cm! James will finish the last two chemo treatments, have another scan and meet with a liver surgeon at MD Anderson-Downtown. Dr. Coscio has forwarded James' chart to the surgeon for him to familiarize himself with James' case before we meet. Not sure on dates or times of surgery but surgery is likely.
~ The PFT (pulmonary function test) showed the chemo is not affecting James' lung function so his chemo treatments will remain the same this round. He will have another PFT before the next round of treatment.
Praise-
- Thank God for giving James the strength and desire to get out of the house this past weekend. We enjoyed time outdoors in the beautiful weather and spent time with family and friends!
- James has remained fever free!
Prayer Requests
- I have an upper respiratory infection. I started antibiotics but please pray for a quick recovery so I will be able to care for James and work! (Don't forget, its Valentine's week and I work in a Floral Shop!)
- James is experiencing some nausea this round.
We love and appreciate each one of you!!!
Amy
James got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. He is feeling GREAT! The swelling in his face has gone down almost to normal. He had Bleo treatment this morning and has scans on Thursday. He will likely spend the rest of the week cuddled up with Tate on the couch! Stay warm friends!!!
Loving this weather!!!
Amy
