Stage 4 cirrhosis and liver cancer: Can I get through transplant?

What concerns specifically do you have a your ability to handle the process? Are there specific barriers you face that would make it too difficult?

@mkhogan I suffered from anxiety for years. I'm struggling now with the diagnosis and worry about the long road of recovery, pain and panic attacks. I watched my mom and dad go through Lung/Colon surgery/treatment. Was it worth it. No quality of life until end.
Thank you for responding.
Sandy

Hi Sandy. As mkhogan shared we don't know your specifics. But... I am 68 years old and more of a couch potato than an exercise person. Not in great shape , was very overweight , stressed out, etc.. I had cirrhosis and liver cancer 3 years ago. Was told my only hope was a liver transplant. Sounded daunting, too much. But went for it rather than giving up on life. Had a liver transplant at Mayo in 2024. Telling it like it is it was not easy but nothing to terrible or impossible. God only knows but coming up on my 2 year checkup and so far so good. Advice ? Without knowing your specifics. Go for it vs the alterernative. Every case is different but am so glad I did. Went from stressed out and sick to much much better. Very best of luck. Prayers up.

Hi Andy,
I had a liver transplant at Mayo in Phoenix four months ago. My situation was more complicated because I also had HepatoPulmonary Syndrome so my ability to breathe was very compromised and added an extra layer of complications. The surgery went great. The first month afterwards was a painful but I got through it. I've had other challenges crop up in the past few months too, but everyday I feel better and stronger. I'm still in recovery mode; it takes longer than I want it to, but at least I have a future to look forward to. I say, "Go for it!"

Go for it Sandy. I am coming up on 4 years post liver transplant - and life is good! I never would have believed I would ever feel as good as I do after nearly 2 years of being incredibly sick and close to death on a several occasions. I did not have cancer - but biliary disease caused by a gallstone attack. I would not delay getting evaluated and getting added to the transplant list. It’s certainly not an easy road - after all, it’s major abdominal surgery. But the body’s ability to heal is just incredible. I realized early on that the only way out of the mess I was in - was to go through the fire so to speak - of a transplant. I give thanks every day for the generosity of the donor who made the choice to donate their organ - and give me the chance to live. My transplant was a Mayo Jax - one of the top transplant hospitals in the world. I am forever grateful for the wonderful care of the doctors, nurses and other professionals at this incredible institution.

I am two years post transplant. It is very challenging, but worth it. There is not a transplant warrior who wouldn't do it again. If the team believes, you should believe. Having courage is key, but just accepting the transplant isn't enough. You have to have hope and faith that you can do it. There will be moments of doubt, but the life gifted is so beautiful.

I know I should feel that way. Can you elaborate on the challenging aspect? Recovery, pain, support. How long did it take you to feel somewhat normal? I live alone, age 66 and so undecided. I was a strong, independent woman but this has thrown me for a loop.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.

@dandrew788
I understand. I had anxiety about the process. Up until I went into the operating room i was always nervous something would happen and I would be taken off the list. For sure, there are days and my surgeon told me there would be days I hated them. He was right. But in the end waking up, my immediate thought was I have a new liver!. I have hope. And amazingly when you go to mayo and go through tests? Procedure and many disciplines to get this done, they have a way of making you feel so good and cared for. I always left in higher spirits than I came. It truly is an incredible team. I had to learn yo let go of my controlling instincts and trust the doctors and the process. I have had ongoing complications that I ha to manage but every day I wake up feeling good and basically doing all the things I want. I had my transplant 5 years ago and I have traveled yo Europe three times, been to Mexico for extended travel and just returned from Hawaii. There is life after transplant and you will be given all the support you need. ❤️

Hi As to your specific issues/questions/ concerns. These were all just me. Everyone is different. But I I have talked to, in person or online, a bunch of liver transplant folks. My wife who was my caregiver still is on a group chat with with 5 other woman who were caregivers or liver transplant patients at the same hotel/insurance co at Mayo AZ two years ago.. Five of the six of us are grateful and very happy we went through it.
I think someone commenting above (or in another chat) shared "it gets better and better" . Another liver transplant patient told me the same thing 2 years ago and he was right. Over the years I also had panic attacks before the transpalnt. But none occurred during or after. I believe that was in part due to my faith and part that Mayo was so good, caring and professional. I also never had great pain at any point during or after. I was back to relatively normal walking my golden retriever 3-4 months after that transplant.

I wish nothing but the very best for you no matter what your decision. Not for sure but I think the "odds" transplant vs liver cancer and stage 4 cirrhosis ? ...... From what I have seen from other folks over the years and the folks commenting above. I would very humbly predict much more and greater pain, anxiety and a worse quality of life if you do not choose the transplant. No-one can say for sure. Or that it would be easy. But I wish you the very, very best regardless of what you decide.

It's hard.

Ask yourself this. What do you have to live for? Is it important enough to fight for?
It is a fight.
Every day you wake up and get out of bed, is it worth it? Hiding it from everyone and telling them you're alright gets old. New pain all the time to the point you forget what sciatic nerve pain is. Feet swollen to the point you swear they will pop. The parasentesis bi-weekly or more. My favorite being told you can't do stuff and go places because there is no hospital nearby. I don't know your situation or circumstances I wish you the best. Please don't take any of this wrong.
A lot of people would do just about anything for another shot at life. I learned a few things. The people you love and care about and do the same for you are the most important people in your life cherish them. When you die you can't take anything with you and it's honestly the most freeing feeling ever because nothing on this plain matters at that point life goes with or without you.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, ENJOY IT. Experience it, hopefully this will help you learn to live life to its fullest because you may get a chance.
My wife asked me a few times if I would do it again, because I am lucky enough to have this woman in my life I would. If noone depended on me I wouldn't. I say that based on the fact that it is an unknown fight.