Matthew's Story
Hepatoblastoma Survivor & Liver Transplant Recipient
Meet 32 year old Matthew, 2 time survivor of hepatoblastoma, who ultimately received a life saving liver transplant in 1997. The goal of this website is to provide information, support and hope to other families facing a similar, terrifying diagnosis.
This story is in a narrative form, written by Matthew's grandma (please see her special introductory note below). The information is in chronological order, divided up into the following sections:
- 1993 Hepatoblastoma Diagnosis
- 1996 Relapse
- 1997 Liver Transplant & Recovery
- Updates & Present Day
- Full list of Chemotherapy drugs & Information about his current Medication
Use the shortcut buttons below to navigate around the site.
Contact Matthew's mom using the link at the bottom of the page.
A Word From Matthew's Grandma
On December 28, my grandson Matthew celebrated his 32nd birthday. Every birthday is a great celebration because, in 1993, when he was 18 months old, Matthew was diagnosed with a rare type of liver cancer, hepatoblastoma. The treatment for his cancer included two major surgeries and months of chemotherapy. He ultimately received a liver transplant in April of 1997 and he is now doing very well.
Between 1993 and 1997, I often went to the Internet to get as much information as possible. I wanted answers, not just medical answers, but also inspiration from other families on how to cope, and some hint of what to expect. Matthew's story has been on the Web since early 1998. Since that time, many people from all over the United States and around the world have written to me, saying it helped them replace isolation and despair with feelings of hope and kinship.
A Tribute to Organ Donors
No story about Matthew would be complete without paying a tribute to organ donors. The green ribbon lapel pin is the symbol of support for organ donations.
The color green signifies new life. Scientists continue to work on stem cell research and technicians are working to develop artificial organs and some donations can be made from living donors. But at this time, most organ transplants depend solely on donations from cadavers. Thousands of people wait for a life-saving organ transplant and it is crucial that family members know each other’s wishes about organ donation before tragedy strikes.
Families that have consented to organ donation often express feelings of comfort and solace from knowing that their tragedy has helped to save the life of another. It is ironical and mystifying that a triumph such as Matthew’s can only come out of the tragedy of some family’s traumatic loss. This page is dedicated to organ donors and their families.
Notes from Matthew's Mom
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t marvel in the miracle of Matthew’s life.
Looking back, I remember very hard days, that felt unbearable at the time. This prompted me to write down a few things to pass on to other families, patients and especially other moms who have to deal with similar life threatening situations.
Start A Notebook
I’m an obsessive organizer. If you are like me, realize that there will be many times where everything is out of your control. Try to find something that makes it tolerable. For me this was having my trusty spiral notebook to jot down dates, drugs, test results, appointments, questions, names, etc. It was a comfort to have things written down and proved to be a very valuable reference.
Pick Your Health Care Provider
If your current physician just doesn’t feel like a good fit, remember you have a right to change doctors. We changed oncologists when Matthew’s cancer recurred, and I’m convinced that this saved his life.
Call Back
Doctors and nurses are busy people. If you’ve been told you’d be called back and you’re still waiting, there’s nothing wrong with calling the office yourself.
Take Care Of You
A counselor will listen and be there for you.
Take It One Day At Time
And some days take it one HOUR at a time.