Meeting with liver transplant doctor

This morning we met with a liver transplant doctor before Barry was discharged. Dr. Marsh is affiliated with Dr. G. who has been treating Barry since February. This was our first meeting with him since Dr. G. was out of town at a conference. It was a very interesting meeting, a chance to pick his very smart brain. People from all around, including out of the USA come to this Transplant unit for transplants. So we are very fortunate to be able to even discuss such matters. Here is some stuff to think about:

The spots on his lungs: they look like cancer, but I do not believe they have ever been biopsied. Has only had liver biopsy that shows a specific rare type cancer. Has recommended a biopsy, with low risk, to try to get some tissue for true diagnosis. The reason is this: a liver transplant would not be an option for Barry if cancer is present in lungs since his immune system would be altered with the transplant, therefore allowing the lung cancer to grow. All these months, the spots on the lungs and tumors in liver have not changed in size. And remember this, the lungs have not been treated with chemo since February. So if we do the biopsy, perhaps when he has his next 8 week chemo, the results would at least give us some direction to take. Lots to think over.

On another topic. I have been following another blog. The address is

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5497708

Very interesting to read about someone else. He has brain cancer I believe. A news reporter. I subscribe to get his blog update daily via email. I often post on his blog, as I know how much I appreciate that done on my blog.

Tim has gone to homecoming dance tonight. Actually went by himself. Am even more proud of him to know that he is comfortable in his skin to do that. Have heard there are quite a few kids that do this. Has gone out to dinner with about 6 other couples, all friends of each other. He looked so nice, along with the other couples. Heck, next year he will be able to drive himself there! Getting too old so quickly. I am just so glad that Barry was able to see if go tonight.

Oh, by the way. Barry is doing fine. Was given morphine up until he was discharged. And since being home has been feeling good. Always good to be in your own surroundings, without nurses bothering you. In our 5 times at being at this hospital, there has not been one specific nurse that stands out. I think of this as I think of my sister Maureen who is one of those stand out nurses. Maybe she could transfer to Pittsburgh for one of Barry's treatments!!!