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Tucker's Story While in the hospital we documented Tucker's experience through CarePages. Here you can look at our old posts right after he was diagnosed, read about the rollercoaster of a time we experienced and view photos. Messages can also be left on the site. We post updates on this site to keep everyone informed. Click below, only a small registration is required. www.carepages.com/carepages/TuckerDavis  SURGERYAfter Tucker was diagnosed with fibrolamellar he was transferred from Greenwich Hospital to Memorial Sloane Kettering. There he underwent a biopsy to confirm they type of cancer followed by liver resection surgery. Tucker had about 25% of his liver removed containing a large tumor (measuring over 14cm). In addition, because the tumor had ruptured at some point there were many cancerous cells in his belly, lymph nodes, abdomen and throughout the peritoneal cavity. It was understood at the time of surgery that the surgeons would not be able to remove 100% of the cancer (too much disease), but they would get everything visible to the human eye to "reset the clock." Tucker's doctor, surgeon and the nursing staff were amazing as Tucker had a complex surgery requiring great skill, or the tumor could fall apart during surgery. He made it through surgery with flying colors, but the recovery of such a major surgery has its challenges. We were told in the hospital that liver surgery is more difficult to recover from than open heart surgery. In addition to recovering from the surgery, Tucker also had to also 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 beginning with short walks around the hospital floor to complete laps. The swelling in his leg began to decrease and he 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 is not easy.[Above, Tucker 24 hours after liver resection surgery; Right, Tucker walking post surgery] CHEMO After spending 23 nights and 24 days in the hospital Tucker was able to go home. He continued to work on his walking and building up his strength post-surgery with daily workouts. Since it was known that he still had disease in his body he began taking the chemo drug Nexavar. After 1-2 months of leaving the hosptial Tucker had a CT and PET scan that revealed what we were already expecting, his cancer was beginning to grow back (aggressively) in multiple places where surgery had taken place and the Nexavar alone was not working. One VERY important detail to point out is that the large tumor from Tucker's liver was removed and this scan revealed that his liver had regorwn to a normal size and continued to be CANCER FREE, it is the disease that spread that needed treatment. Next, it was decided that Tucker would continue to take Nexavar in combination with doxyrubicin. A scan in January revealed that this was not working either as the cancer continued to grow. The next plan of action was to stop the Nexavar and doxyrubicin for an entirely new chemo regimen consisting of gemzar, oxaliplatin, 5FU, and Avastin. After being on this regimen for a few months, Tucker's scans revealed that his cancer had stabilized!!! Since April, Tucker has continued on a chemo regimen consisting of these drugs, but has since added in a few others, thalidomide, tarceva and changed out the 5FU for xeloda. Tucker's most recent scan in June revealed no "new cancer" and confirmed again that his liver continues to be CANCER FREE and disease is "stable." **Please note that chemo drugs have a specific window and will only be effective for a finite period of time (different for everyone). Eventually, your body finds a way around them so for many of the chemo's Tucker is on, he will have to stop taking. In addition, chemotherapy has a variety of side effects, especially when it comes to platelets in your blood. Everyone needs platelets to help their blood clot, some drugs decrease this and treatment must be stopped if it reaches a dangerous point. Luckily, Tucker has not had to be taken off any off any chemo's to date due to toxicity (for the new regimen). Currently, Tucker's blood clot from last year is now gone, but he must remain on blood thinners as a specific type of protein from his cancer caused the blood clot. Tucker continues to "Keep on Tuckin'" He has tough days but always manages to see the positive side of things. Tucker challenges himself to stay active, to eat healthy and live a balanced life. Reaching out to others diagnosed with fibrolamellar and cancer in general. He is focused on bringing attention to young adult cancers and finding a cure for fibrolamellar. Please feel free to email Tucker directly at tucker.l.davis@gmail.com. He would love to meet others diagnosed with cancer and answer any questions about his experience with cancer thus far.  Friends showing their support by wearing "Keep on Tuckin'" bracelets | |
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