Hepatitis B

Where did the cancer come from?
Where to start. My husband was sick last year and went through a bunch of testing before they finally determined he apparently got Hepatitis B from his mother at birth. (She died of liver cancer caused by Hep B 7 years ago) He had an “episode” as they call it and was pretty sick. Once we figured it out we started paying greater attention to his diet and exercise to keep him healthy. I was also tested and negative so it seems he isn’t able to pass it just a dormant carrier till it flared up. I’ve since been immunized and continue to be quite healthy.
We continued to monitor Him thinking all was fine till he got sick again this winter, his worst episode yet. At that point we decided to try getting him into a trial program for a new Hep B medication that would hopefully not be a life long drug. However while we were trying to get his levels back in line for that they went ahead a did a routine biopsy of the liver to make sure everything was fine and found two spots of Cancer. They talked of removing the spots and putting him on meds for the Hep B but that would still leave a compromised liver that would be very susceptible to cancer and likely have a reoccurrence in the future. Then they determined that the spots were too close to the bile duct and vein/artery coming into the liver and could potentially harm the liver more than it would help and we might still be looking at a transplant but would be in critical shape. So, we spent a few days this week up at OHSU going through transplant evaluation and it looks like that will be the path. The statistics are good and we anticipate a great long life to come. Getting through the procedure and recovery will be challenging but he's is in good health otherwise and will be in much better shape to bounce back.

From what we have heard once he is actually placed on the list things could move very quickly. By having cancer he is automatically moved up the list and according to their current list he would be in the first position if a blood match donor came available. The average wait is just over 3 months but would likely be shortened by his being at the top of the list. I keep telling him recovery will be much nicer during the warm summer months.

We are keeping a positive thought and thankful for the medical advances that make this possible. We are also sending out prayers to those that give beyond themselves and make the option of a transplant a possibility. Such a serious gift comes with a responsibility to treasure it and make the most of your life.