“Bending the rules” surgery scheduled

Well, here goes resection attempt #2! On Feb 18, surgery then I start the long slow walk through the fire of recovery from surgery.

The surgeon and the tumor board decided the risk is worth it (DUH!), even though there’s no way to know if the liver that does grow back will have any cancer or tumors grow with it. The whole left lobe of my liver is solid tumor and there are 2 tumors on the right side. The 2 tumors on the right side are the reason the first resection was not done, and also the reason they are saying they are bending the rules to try it a second time. But they are doing the surgery again because all tumors are virtually unchanged since July 2008 and my general health is very stable. Hopefully they will be able to do RFA on the 2 smaller tumors during surgery.

I know there are several people on this site who have had resection. I also know resection is not a cure, but will hopefully put this thing in remission. Also, so far my bile ducts have stayed clear. What can I expect physically while the liver grows back? Can bile ducts be biopsied (I know the spelling’s wrong) if there is no tumor? Any other information regarding recovery after resection will be helpful. I’ve already been through the surgery but no resection so I know about the recovery from having my abdomen cut, but is there any difference if they actually resect?

Wish me luck, prayers, positive thoughts, I think I’ll need anything I can get just to make it through.