On 3/23/2008
JamiefromGA wrote:
I need advice please. My mom is undergoing chemo for stage 4 Klatskin tumor met to liver & lymphnodes and is taking Oxycontin for pain when needed. She was also prescribed Lorazepam for anxiety as needed. She has only taken a few of these so far but when I was on drugs.com it states not to use it if severe liver problems. Shouldn't this cancer be considered "severe..." and maybe not prescribed or taken? I don't want to knowingly give her something I think may adversely affect her. What possible drugs could be used in her case as a substitute? Mild depression on occasion, stomach pain and weakness in legs are her only other side effects. And loss of appetite for obvious reasons. THANK YOU FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN OFFER!
Jamie in GA
Hi Jamie,
The liver is the "cleanser" of the body and when the liver is effected very badly, it cannot do it's work properly. On the other hand, your mother is in a very bad state. It is very important to talk to the doctor why he prescribed this medicine (for example is your mother a very nervous or worrying kind of person) and what he thinks of the effect of this drug to the liver. Then you can allways choose whether or not she takes this drug or not.
My husband has the same cancer and is doing very well, already 10 months now. The only medicine he gets is Ursochol, which makes the bile thinner so it can flow more easily. But with him it is also a matter of how many days, weeks or hopefully months he will still have. For every day without pain or stress (he is the least stressful person you have ever met) we are very gratefull.
I too know how difficult life also is for the caregiver. So I wish you a lot of strength and please take also good care of yourself.
Kind regards,
Iris.