robbrigg2

Well I am being seen at the Micheal E. DeBakey VA Regional Hospital in Denver. And as you may or may not know you have system you have to go through. The first doctor who noticed the liver function increase was a primary care physician. The Radiologist did recommend an MRI after I did the ultra sound a year ago but my Doctor decided it was un-necessary based on my age, general health, and no other indicators. It wasn’t until I presented about 8 weeks ago with pain and digestive issues that things started to get checked out. But by that time the tumor was too large and had spread to other sites and so now I am not a candidate for surgery.

I am a 42 year old male (be 43 in November). I really want to go somewhere else but I am trapped. As a Pastor for a very small church I am not finanically able to go anywhere else for treatment. I always had to suppliment income by doing side jobs remodles, furniture making etc. Thats a thing of the past at least for awhile.

I think I have some good Oncologists but it’s the VA Beuracracy that is going to be the death of me. I’ve been assured once treatment starts it will all be agressive but it’s the intermidable waiting.

The reason that I question it is that I did have an ultrasound of the liver in August of 2010 after my liver panel came back elevated. At that time the report says nothing was visible though they could not confirm the deep tissue. They recommended an MRI but becuase of my age and overall health my Doctor decided against it. So in essance the tumor grew from unvisable to 13.3x9x12 in a year and a half.

I am asking because my Doc’s don’t seem to be moving fast at all. My latest scan shows two more lesions on my liver, 2 lymphnodes and multiple hot spots all in that 1 1/2 years to me that is agressive.

Thanks Everyone! Susie I will give it a try. I talked to my Oncologist and he said if I did not have pain it would be ok until I come in to clinic. So I guess I will have to wait.

I was told that I am not in a surgical state at present the cancer has matastisized. My Biopsy (which I think should have been done along time ago) is scheduled for this Friday and then treatment after Pathology comes back.

Can I ask anyone who might know is CC normally this agressive? I mean 2 years ago there was no sign of anything in my blood. 1 1/2 years ago I had elevated liver functions and now I have a huge tumor, two small lessions on the liver, two infected lymphnodes, and hotspots throughout my abdomen. Im trying to figure out if the growth speed is being considered by my doctors adequately.

Hi folks. I wanted to check back in and let you know the latest. I did not have a Biopsy today. Unfortunately with the VA system it can be a lot of misinformation. I had been told to come in but no one gave me a time so I called in at 7:30 a.m. after some run around I spoke to the Surgeon who said he would have a resident give me a call and try to get me in today… NOthing.

I asked him about my PET scan and he confirmed that the Lymphnodes in my chest (2) are cancerous and there are other areas that lit up as well but he did not want to tell me over the phone (LIkE IT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE).

My main tumor is on the Right Lobe of the liver.

I called MD Anderson but they said they will not take VA Patients which only leaves me with the County Health System and that would be even worse. I don’t know if I can get one of their docts to review my case and offer an opinion or not does anyone here?

Thanks everyone!

Robert