The Basics

A CT scan in May revealed two tumors on my liver - one 2.3cm and another 2.0cm. The formal diagnosis is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) - primary liver cancer. Surgical removal is not an option because of existing damage to the liver. Chemo is effective at slowing tumor growth, but it is not a cure. The only cure for me is liver transplantation.

I am very fortunate that the tumors were discovered early, because once they grow larger than 5cm or spread to organs outside of the liver, transplantation is no longer an option. I have had two rounds of chemoembolization since my diagnosis and the tumors have shrunk in size to less than 2cm. While there is apparently a storm brewing inside of me, I am pleased to report that I currently have no physical symptoms at all related to the HCC - nothing. There are some temporary side effects from the chemo immediately after each treatment, but that is it. I still consider myself to be a very healthy guy and have continued to teach my spinning classes three times a week at the Downtown YMCA. My doctors say that this is the perfect time to have the transplant - while I am feeling healthy and strong.

I am officially on the UNOS liver transplant waiting list and will be having the surgery at UPMC - Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland (Pittsburgh, for all of you out-of-state folks). The phone call notifying me that a donor liver is available could come at any time. After that, there will be a whirlwind of activity and it will become difficult for me or my family to return phone calls and emails - that is where this blog will come in handy. It will continue to be updated during my surgery and recovery.