Liver cancer and transplant

[t-cart]

Dr.Forred, I have a friend who had a 14cm. tumor removed from his liver about four years ago. He has had scans done yearly since then. At his last scan, six months ago,the doctors saw something and had him come back for another scan about two weeks ago. The liver now has two tumors at 1cm. each.He went back and had a full body scan and it looks like it has not spread outside of his liver.The doctors started doing pre transplant tests on him today to get him on a donor list.I have never been so closely touched by a situation like this. Two questions, 1, In your experience, how do people normally do after such a serious operation? 2, and this is far down the list of importance right now,After flying with me a lot, I think he has been bitten by the flying bug, Any chance on getting a third class medical?Like i said, the medical is not really relavent right now,but about a week ago he asked me if i thought he would be able to fly and i didnt know. Thanks for your reply. T.C.

[My Flight Surgeon]

These folks do well if the tumor is confined to the liver.

The FAA will grant a Special Issuance for liver transplant patients. In the case of transplant for tumor, they usually make the airman wait 2 years before granting a medical.

[t-cart]

Dr. Forred, Thanks for the reply. According to the scans done a week and a half ogo, it looks like the cancer has not spread outside of the liver. Thank you for the encouraging news. T.C.