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As many of you already know, I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and liver cirrhosis about 6 years ago. My liver enzymes have also been elevated for about 20 years. It wasn't until this March that I started having any symptoms. My abdomen began to fill with fluid (ascites) in early March.
Testing was done in Sidney and it was recommended that I see a specialist at a large facility. We chose to go to the University of Washington, Seattle. Dick has family nearby to provide company and support along the way!
I saw the specialist on April 14th and also had more lab tests and another CAT scan. There is a 2.1cm lesion on my liver which the doctor is certain is cancer. Cirrhosis and liver cancer can be caused by autoimmune hepatitis. At this point, I am feeling fine. I have been on diuretics since April 2nd and have lost much of the fluid weight from my abdomen. The plan is to continue on the diuretics and return to Seattle in 3-4 weeks to be seen again. At that time, the doctors will inject chemotherapy directly into the lesion in my liver. I am not a candidate to have the lesion removed due to the cirrhosis. I will also be meeting with the liver transplant team....to get the ball rolling. A transplant is definately not an option at this time as I am not sick enough, but it doesn't hurt to get all of the information!
We will be returning to Sidney mid week after some visiting and sight seeing!
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