My husband, like you, was diagnosed with Stage 2 left-sided massive hepatocellular carcinoma (12x6 cm) back in 2007. He underwent left lateral partial hepatectomy of sections 2 & 3, but he did not have any part of his colon or other GI tract removed, nor did the surgeon mention doing so at all. His surgeon did mention the possibility of removing the gall bladder, but at the time of surgery it looked good and it was left intact.
Recovery from the surgery does take a while. My husband was told to expect a hospital stay of 10-12 days; however, he made every effort while he was in the hospital to walk as much as he was physically able, and he was released on day 5. He was unable to drive or lift heavy objects for a good 10 weeks or so, but about 3 months after surgery he was feeling 90% himself -- no distended stomach, no rise in blood pressure, or any serious medical complications, except that he did have a minor stitch infection which resolved about 6 months after the surgery. Hope that helps.
Best wishes on your surgery and your recovery, and we hope to hear good news from you soon. ~eureka
And I don't know where you live but contact mdanderson.org and do a self referral. They are always doing clinical trials and accept self referrals and at times provide transportation and housing.
Before doing that, have you considered getting a second opinion and also asking the doc what your quality of life will be like after all that. Just the recovery time is going to be months......I would definitely get a second - maybe 3rd opinion. God Bless you and Good luck!!