fibrofoundation.org - Tucker's Story

After Tucker was diagnosed with fibrolamellar he was transferred from Greenwich Hospital to Memorial Sloane Kettering. After a biopsy to confirm his cancer diagnosis, Tucker had 25% of his liver removed containing a large tumor (measuring over 14cm). Since the tumor had ruptured prior to diagnoisis, there were numerous cancerous cells in his lymph nodes, abdomen and throughout the peritoneal cavity.

Tucker (left) 24 hours after liver resection surgery

At the time of surgery, it was understood that the surgeons would not be able to remove 100% of the cancer but would get everything visible to the human eye. Tucker's doctor, surgeon and the nursing staff were amazing as Tucker had a complex, but successful surgery requiring great skill as the tumor was very fragile. In addition to recovering from surgery, Tucker also had to focus on "breaking up the bloodclot" in his leg. He had to begin walking within 24 hours of his surgery.

Tucker made a swift recovery from his liver resection surgery and the swelling in his leg began to decrease. He had to began rebuilding all of the muscles in his stomach

area that were cut during surgery. Try getting out of bed using NO ab or stomach muscles - it's not easy.

After spending 23 nights and 24 days in the hospital Tucker was able to go home. Since it was known that Tucker still had disease in his body he began chemotherapy. One VERY important detail to point out is that the large tumor from Tucker's liver was removed and scans revealed that his liver had regrown to a normal size and was cancer free, it was the disease that spread that needed treatment. Once Tucker began a chemo regimen consisting of Gemzar, Oxaliplatin, 5FU, and Avastin, Tucker's scans revealed that his cancer had stabilized. He continued on this chemo regimen in addition to Thalidomide, Tarceva and Xeloda. In September, 2009, after having to stop chemotherapy Tucker underwent a second surgery. He had a difficult time recovering

from this surgery fighting several infections. Tucker had a difficult time healing from surgery and was unable to being a new chemo regimen.

Tucker had tough days but always managed to see the positive side of things. He challenged himself to stay active, to eat healthy and live a balanced life. He also made it a priority to reach out to others diagnosed with fibrolamellar and cancer in general. Tucker focused on bringing attention to young adult cancers and finding a cure for fibrolamellar. Tucker made sure to laugh, smile and enjoy every day to the fullest!