Photos of the Nebraska Medical Center and Dr. Luciano Vargas Jr.
We traveled to Omaha in late July, hoping Merlynn would be a candidate for liver surgery at the Nebraska Medical Center. We were hopeful Dr. Vargas could take out half of Mer's liver, let that part regenerate, then do the same for the other half of his liver. We were so encouraged after learning of others who had had this procedure done successfully and are now cancer free.
The facilities at the medical center were first rate, and Dr. Vargas was really nice. We were impressed with his abilities and liked him very much. Sadly though, he informed us that Merlynn's tumors are too numerous and widespread, therefore, he cannot be a candidate for the type of surgery performed there. We didn't realize only 6 people have been able to undergo this surgery since the cancer has to be contained to only one lobe of the liver. Obviously, we were disappointed. Dr. Vargas's advice, like those here in Salt Lake, was to just stay the course. Keep taking the shots and keep checking his cancer markers and imaging results for changes. He told Merlynn he will never feel any better than he does right now, that surgery would not make him any better and would probably make him feel worse. He told him to enjoy this time while he feels good. If the time comes when the tumors are pushing against a rib or a nerve and causing a lot of pain or are pushing on his stomach so he can't eat, then surgery will be an option.
We were amazed to receive two such opposite opinions from two highly respected carcinoid specialists. (Merlynn is now thinking of seeing another specialist at Cedars-Sinai to break the tie.)
Here's a link to a video about a woman who was treated there and lived for 13 years. Sadly she just passed away on September 8.
For now, we'll just keep an eye on things. Dr. Vargas's opinion is likely the safest.
We did receive great news last week when Merlynn had a follow-up MRI. The radiologist said the tumors are stable and they have not grown or spread during the past six months. For this we feel very blessed and grateful. This doctor thinks, as the last radiologist did, that Merlynn's primary tumor might be in the tail of his pancreas. They'll just keep an eye on this for now as well.
Thanks again to all of you for your love, support, and prayers. Merlynn still feels terrific!
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