Tumor on liver

[Kathryn]

I had surgery in March of this year for a very large benign tumor on my liver. It turned out to be a clump of coagulated blood vessels that wer on the verge of shutting down vessels coming and going from the liver. 60% of my liver was removed and it has since grown back... amazing. However, I still ache in my Liver side and feel this huge lump. I know it takes time to heal, but I was wondering if anyone else had anything to share on this one with their own experiences.

[Mountain Man]

Dear Kathyrn, I was so glad to read that someone other than myself has experienced this. Like you, I had surgery that removed over 60% of my liver. My surgery was in March of 1999. After almost two years, I still experience a grat deal of pain. Unlike you however; my liver has not grown back. (My internal organs have shifted so that it doea not have the needed room to grow back to it's original size.)



[This message has been edited by Mountain Man (edited 12-28-2000).]

[Kathryn]

MountainMan.... I wonder why your liver has not grown back. I was told it would. But, then I was also told that we only use about 30% of our liver total anyway. Did you have something wrong with your liver? Are you liver enzyme tests good or coming down to normal.

I still experience discomfort on my right side... but, I also feel that big lump of a liver protruding as well. I was wondering it it is causing presssure or pinching things around in there causing it to ache. My liver enzyme blood work has been getting better and better.

I sure hope you are getting along ok. I have started taking Milk Thistle for my liver... there is much to be said for it helping the liver.

Good luck..

[Mountain Man]

I was sure glad to hear from you , I have checked the message board everyday to see if you had replied.

You asked if I had something wrong with my liver........yes a blood tumor the same as yours. The doctor said I was very lucky,
if they had not found it, it would have ruptured and I would have bled to death before I could get to the hospital.

I was very lucky that it was found......they found it quite by accident. I signed up for a survey/study on acid reflux which I had been diagnosed with about 10 years before. Anyway it was a study with free meds and free doctor visits and it sounded good to me! They were supposed to have a new medication that could reverse some of the effects of reflux. I was willing to give it a shot. So I went in.

The doctor wanted to talk to me after the study tests were done. I did not qualify because my reflux was too far in progression. I had damage that no meds could fix. (Not even my new miracle drug.)

The bad news he gave me was that he had discovered a bacteria in my blood he was concerned about. They wanted to either take me on as a patient or refer me to someone. I decided to stay with them. The next week was filled with tests one of which was a CT scan. They discovered a spot on my liver and had to do exploratory surgery. It turned out not to be malignant but instead was another type of tumor than what he expected, but it was benign.

After that first surgery I had to have a CT scan every 2months then every 4 months and now every 6 months. In case it should develop again.

Then in December of that same year I had to have my gall bladder removed and the surgery was not simple. I had so much scar tissue that they had to do another major surgery to remove my gall bladder.

Now I worry everytime I have the slightest pain. Do you? It has been a rough two years.

Thank you for your reply.

[Kathryn]

Well, for heavens sake... you have also been through quite an ordeal. It is a very major surgery. I'm sure we share similar tummy scars.

They took out my Gall bladder at the time of my surgery, so it was that whole side of the liver that was removed. Mine was discovered by accident as well. I was having trouble with a little incontinence with my bladder and bowels.. and the urologist told me I was fine, but, he saw something higher up on my scan and I needed to have it checked. Went to the liver Doctor and he confirmed thinges and sent me to the surgeon. The surgeon was so totally great. He scheduled me for surgery within 2 weeks and the rest is history. I had a long recovery time. I ached so bad and it kept draining... my husband was a champ in taking care of me. I have never done so much needed couch in a long time. Even though my liver enzyme tests come out ok, it is still achy on my right side. I'm going to ask for a follow. I haven't had any follow up scan's like you and think that would be a good idea.

I'm sure glad they found this tumor in both of us before a more serious problem developed. Life sure dishes out some trials, doesn't it.

You can reach me at StarDust248@Home.com