Mike's Story

Liver Cancer Patient

I had a large hepatocellular carcinoma (cancerous liver tumour) and without immediate surgery, I would have died, it is as simple as that. 

After being referred to Professor Peter Lodge by my gastroenterologist, I had a ‘left hepatic trisectionectomy’ which basically involved the surgical removal of 75-85 percent of my liver.

What was my experience like?

Well, firstly, without the operation I wouldn’t be typing this.

Peter is not at all a stereotypical consultant – he is more like your mate in the pub – someone you can sit and have a pint with. His matter-of-fact yet calm and thoughtful approach made me feel totally at ease despite the stakes (it was touch and go).

From the day I met him I just felt that if anyone could deal with the problem this was the guy to do it, and after the surgery he was equally fantastic. He was matter-of-fact, warm, informative and humorous – all at the same time.

Peter is a personable, highly likeable man – clearly expert at what he does, but more than that he is just…a nice bloke. I’m finding it quite hard to put this into words but he made a life threatening situation feel like something akin to having a tooth out, but did not withhold any of the risks involved or minimise what was at stake.

How has it changed my life?

In a word “totally”. It is fairly straightforward – I would not be here without it.

Since the surgery (in 2005), it spurred me on to start my own business.

I’ve travelled to Africa – four times now to the Sahara – a place I now love. 

I’ve been on Masterchef, I’ve climbed mountains both here and abroad (which I hadn’t done before). I’ve learnt to weld, I’ve learnt how to fix cars and 4×4 vehicles and modify them – I have done things which I never even considered before. 

Each year since the surgery I’ve had a CT scan. 2011 was the first year without, though I am due one in 2012. Last time I saw Peter was in 2010 for my scan results (clear) and one thing really touched me. My file was on his desk and it was open. In it was a handmade card (a greetings type card). I knew that due to the style of card it was from my mother. I can only assume it was a thank you type card but it was incredibly touching that he had kept it in the file. 

As I said earlier, I’ve met lots of consultants. Some nice ones, some not so nice. But Peter is simply not your typical consultant, he’s more like a mate you would go to in a time of crisis because you know he’s able to help with it. And to me he is Peter, he isn’t “Professor Lodge”, because despite his expertise and qualifications, I don’t view him with formality because he is really just a great guy with an incredible talent, both surgically, and from a social perspective in terms of dealing with people.

Words can’t really express what a pleasure (what a word for the circumstances!) it was to meet Peter, to deal with him and to continue to deal with him 6 years after the event.