Robert’s Story

Site created on July 2, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


 I am now almost 4 1/2 years post liver transplant.  I was diagnosed with HCC, or more commonly know as liver cancer this April just after returning from Mexico.  This is the same type of cancer I had pre-transplant. It was quite a shock as the doctor had just said if I made it 5 years post transplant that my chances of having HCC again were almost nil.  So, after the initial diagnosis of one tumor about 1.2 cm and a shadow site the doctors decided to wait 2 months to do another scan.  In the meantime Donna and I have totally changed our diet and have gone "Paleo".  We also organized a meditation group with some good friends that has been very powerful.  The second scan just a couple of weeks ago showed the shadow had turned into a 1.1cm tumor and the originally diagnosed tumor had grown to 1.6cm.  This all sounds quite bad I know and I am not happy about it but the good news is that I feel fine!  I am working, playing golf, riding my bike, and swimming with the masters team again.  Of course Donna has been totally supportive and is my rock in this and all my adventures!   


Dr. Holden took the scans to the "tumor board" twice and the recommendation is to have some type of interventional  radiology treatment.  We saw Dr. Johnson, an interventional radiologist with IU today who we both loved and trust. He is a good friend of Dr. Paul Kwo, the hepatologist that treated me all though the saga of pre, during , an post transplant.  The treatment process will be an appointment yet to be scheduled for a arteriogram of my liver.  This will tell the Doc what type of treatment to use.  It is between the Y-90 radiation and a Chemo seed ablation.  He is leaning toward the Y-90 which is the same treatment that stopped the cancer last time and got me listed for transplant.  Once the arteriogram is done they will order the medicine and 10 days to 3 weeks later I will be infused with whatever they decide.  The radiation or chemo just sits in my liver and cooks the cancer and it should just take those 2 appointments to get the job done.  I will be scanned 90 days post treatment to see if the cancer has been eliminated.  


Of course we would love to hear from you!  I cannot promise that we will respond quickly but will try to acknowledge all.  This is a convenient way to let everyone know what is going on without having to contact individuals each time we have some news.

Newest Update

YES!!!!!

Journal entry by Robert Dorman —

We have just gotten home from the hospital.  There are 3 very black, burnt up cancer tumors on my liver!!!!!  Toast!!  The Y 90 treatment along with all your thoughts, prayers, and support have allowed me to "fight another day".  Donna and I cannot express our gratitude for everyone that has held us in the light.  We could not be where we are today without YOU!  Dr. Johnson came in to announce the good news about 2:45 after waiting about a hour and a half for him to show.  Its not uncommon but frustrating.  I had blood drawn before my scans and then they did a CT with triple contrast on my liver and chest.  We do not have the results from the chest CT and I am not concerned.  I should have them tomorrow.  So good news all around here.  Mexico plans are still intact and I am rescheduled to be back late February for my "regular" 3 month scan.

Sadly we are headed to Cicero for a good friend's brothers calling.  Its funny how things go, isn't it?  We really never know when our time is up and I have come face to face with that reality no so long ago.  I am committed to living full out and loving all that I can.  Life is fragile and precious. 

OK, I know, so much for my philosophizing.  Gratitude is the word of the day for me.  We are so blessed to live this life and have so many wonderful folks "on our side" - and to think that I used to believe people were after me.  I'm glad that was a lifetime ago.  Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thanks.  There are just too many people to name here in my post but I want each and every one to know that you do make a difference.  

xoxoxoxo  Bob

 

Read More of the journal titled "YES!!!!!"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Robert Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Robert's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Robert

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top