Esophageal Varices

My dad was diagnosed with advanced HCC 2 1/2 weeks ago.  He has been on Nexavar for 13 days and tolerating well.  But on Thursday he ended up in the ER for what turned out to be esophageal varices.  They were able to band but we are worried that it will happen again.  Anyone have any experience with this.....if it occurs again can docs do more banding?  This is such a roller coaster ride for us....one day we are up and the next we are wondering if my dad is coming home from the hospital.  Would love to hear some success stories!!!

 

Yes I have varices and had one burst one year ago and it was banded. I take medicine to keep my pulse low and that seems to help. I also have the cancer growing in my portal vein and this can cause the condition also. I was lucky in that I grew collateral veins that bypass the portal one and keep the prasure low. I have taken the pill for 5 months and have had no problems. There may be many forms of treatment he may be able to take advantage of. Try and use the internet and right down the treatments and meds you find and present them to the doc and ask him or her what might work given the current condition.  I hope this `helps.   steve