4/2011 - They said it couldn't be done

I feel the need to post this on the last day of 2011, the most horrible year.

3/2011 - Had a complete blockage (everything was fine the day before). NEVER had any symptoms. Had surgery, 22+/27 lymph nodes, mets to liver. Had more scans. Not really sure but had in the vicinity of 20 tumors, scattered all across the liver. Devastated little ole me told the surgeon I would be willing to go anywhere in the country for the best treatment. He brushed that off, saying the oncs here were just as good, many of them get the same training. ??????????

4/2011 - On post-op visit to colon surgeon, I ask him a couple more questions. I told him I met with the onc HE recommended --- SAME little hospital. To see what the surgeon's response would be, I told the surgeon the onc said it might be possible to eventually have surgery on the liver, depending on how I responded to chemo (the phrase we cling to like glue). But, he sounded a little squeemish. (The red flags were starting to hit me in the face.)

The surgeon THEN said (just as if we were discussing something as insignificant as the weather)...... "No one will EVER touch your liver"..........
I actually had him repeat that!!

BAM! Thank you and SEE YA.

8/2011 - Long story short.....got another opinion at a great place a long, long way away. Had HAI pump implanted in abdomen to direct target the liver with chemo. Treated since then and ONLY there. Did systemic, too, Irinotecan and Oxi. Had ups and downs. Had to start Neupogen injections after only second treatment. Liver enzymes elevated for a couple of months. (Now back in normal range.)

On my last chemo visit AND SCAN of 2011 (Dec. 21) while I was feeling rather down about everything, the onc said I needed to see the surgeon that day. Met with him and
SURGERY on the liver is scheduled for mid-January 2012.

While this fight goes on and on, at least someone is trying to give me a chance. Wow, that never happened before.

I had to do all my own research. I actually think it is irresponsible for doctors not to talk about other options provided by OTHER cancer hospitals. My first onc should have been well aware of this treatment.

Since March, I came to this board everyday looking for answers. While shocked and dazed, I am pretty sure my first introduction to the HAI pump was mentioned here by Mom_2_3. And learned Phillieg had the pump, too. So between the 2 of them, I asked a million questions and they graciously answered all of them. ( As you would expect, Phil even numbered his answers, so as to not miss any questions...lol ). Amy - I hope you see this. I'll PM you anyway.

It's kind of scary to write about this, considering I haven't even had the surgery yet. But it just seems kind of fitting to transition into the new year this way, because I so much want EVERYONE here to have a HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

( I think I may have my first beer tonight since March....just one...since the liver enyzmes are back to normal....it's just been a hellava year )

Love and peace to all of you.