Latest Liver Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/liver-cancer/1,0,119,23.htm Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello everyone,My dad has been on Nexavar for 2 weeks now, and is slowly developing painful sores/blisters on his hands and feet from the inside out. The doctor has said any topical cream can be applied for relief, but after 5 days, it just seems to be worsening. After each passing day, it gets more painful and his ability to walk and do simple activities with his hands (signing a form) gets worse.I was wondering if anyone here has gone through the same thing, or knows someone who has who can share with me how they were able to cope with this side effect? Was there anything you found to help relieve the pain and allow the sores to heal faster? Also, how long did the blisters last? Are they something you suffer from as long as you're on the treatment? I would really appreciate any advice or past experienes anyone may have. Thank you so much,Sandra  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23934,0.htm happysunbeam Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone,My dad has been on Nexavar for 2 weeks now, and is slowly developing painful sores/blisters on his hands and feet from the inside out. The doctor has said any topical cream can be applied for relief, but after 5 days, it just seems to be worsening. After each passing day, it gets more painful and his ability to walk and do simple activities with his hands (signing a form) gets worse.I was wondering if anyone here has gone through the same thing, or knows someone who has who can share with me how they were able to cope with this side effect? Was there anything you found to help relieve the pain and allow the sores to heal faster? Also, how long did the blisters last? Are they something you suffer from as long as you're on the treatment? I would really appreciate any advice or past experienes anyone may have. Thank you so much,Sandra  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23933,0.htm happysunbeam Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi all,I am looking after my mum who is in her final days with a cervical cancer spread to lungs, liver and kidneys. She has severely DISTENDED ABDOMEN which must be causing a lot of distress. She is under a lot of morphine and not able to talk but only responds with slight nod... What is the best position to lay her to help her have least amount of discomfort? ANY suggestions will be appreciated. The palliative care nurses think a tap may be only a step towards making her go through more trouble and pain. Has anyone gone through a similar predicament?   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23924,0.htm corona Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT HI everyone, I wanted to see if anyone has had the same experience as what my Dad is going through.He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer with mets to the liver (4 tumors on the liver) in October 2007.  He went through chemo for 5 months, but it didnt work at all so he decided to get off of this poisin, it was doing way more harm than good.  He recently (two months ago) started Vit. C infusions, apricot seeds, and many herbal supplements.  Prior to a few days ago, he was getting HIGH fevers, nausia, and was always tired.  Three days ago, after he finished his vitamin C infusion, he all of a sudden had an extreemly LOW body temprature, (34 degrees c.) which is sooo ODD because he usually has a HIGH fever, he began feeling VERY restless, his stomach and ankles began to swell, and because of this, he can't sleep.  He didnt sleep for 2 nights, and had very light naps in the daytime, but mostly is just walking around from room to room day and night.  He can never get comfortable in one spot because his ascites is bothering him.  His doctor said it's not bad enough to get drained yet.I want to know what to expect.  I always had hope that he could get better, but at this point, it does seem impossible to come back from this.  I just dont know what all of this means.  Because his temprature went from being a high fever, to being abnormally LOW, does that mean his liver is getting better?  But then does the ascites mean the cancer in his liver is getting worse?    His nausea is gone, so what does that mean? What is the restlessness about?  Also, it seems like his speech is kinda slurred but maybe that's from lack of sleep.  I just dont want to have false hope here.  Does anyone know if this sounds like my Dad is taking a turn for the WORSE or the BETTER?  My Dads doctor is useless, he just doesnt care or know what to tell him.  So I am turning to anyone who has any ideas or have gone through any wierd changes or things like this. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23896,0.htm lland Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My Dad has secondary liver cancer.  We havent had a CT scan in a few months, but recently his stomach and abdomon have become VERY swollen.  Does this mean he is getting worse?  He is no longer on any treatment besides natural ones.  Does his swollen stomach and feet mean that there's no turning back and that he is on the path to dying? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23879,0.htm lland Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father-in-law is in the last stages of Stage IV gallbladder cancer with mets to the stomach and liver.  He is severely jaudiced and cannot walk without assistance.  My father-in-law has now stopped eating.    It has been five days since he ate a bite of food.   He is drinking very little and his urine looks like rust.   He says his stomach hurts but that's the only pain he has, except for his toes being very sore (I don't understand this at all).  He sleeps all the time now and my husband said he blacked out 4 times this morning while trying to go to the bathroom.    How long can he last with no food and very little liquids?   Somebody please help.   I am so worried.  I can't stand the thought of him starving to death.   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23729,0.htm 1stdaughterinlaw Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Let me start by saying this site has helped me in so many ways. I am very thankful!My husband was DX'ed Nov 26, 2007 of Esophagus cancer. He completed chemo and radiation with hopes of surgery. Feb 08 we went for the pre-op stuff, and the surgeon came in, chin hanging down and said there is NO surgery! He stated the liver lit up like a christmas tree. We were shocked, as we were told that this type of cancer shouldnt spread while on treatment. My husband chose no further treatment, due to it made him deathly sick. It is now April 08, and I see him going down hill fast. Each day he is weaker, and less talkative.He is throwing up more and more every day. He can't eat, he sleeps alot, his stomach is huge. He had a hard time urinating yesterday, but finally went. The pain meds all make him throw up.My questions, which I will only ask a couple?1. Is this a sign he's getting closer, and if so is there anyone who can tell me (about) how long?2. Will his liver just shut down or will there be signs of it failing?3. Could somethingelse shut down before the liver?Hospice has been great, but they really don't discuss him dying. They want him comfortable and positive. I could write a book on what I've been through with my husband and this awful disease. I pray one day soon they will find a cure, so people won't have to suffer. Thank you for any information you might be able to give me.God Bless everyone http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23582,0.htm sweetbabegirl Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello,I'm just wondering if anyone wishes to share their experience on having liver resection surgery vs. treating liver tumors with other means such as cyberknife, cryotherapy, or radio frequency ablation.I meet with the liver specialist at UCSD this Thursday, May 1st & I know he'll want to push the resection.  It seems to make more sense, but I'm wondering if it might be possible to treat with other noninvasive methods instead.My situation is that I had stage IV rectal cancer with mets to both liver & lungs.  I had amazing results to my chemo (and I believe God's touch, for sure!)  My rectal tumor is now completely gone, everything in my lungs is gone, & I'm down from 12 liver tumors to just 3!  These 3 no longer show up "hot" on the PET scan.  I know they need to come out, but am wondering which is the best approach.  Mr Dr. proposes removing the entire left lobe of the liver (2 of the 3 tumors are there) and doing a wedge resection on the right lobe for the other tumor.  I formerly had multiple other tumors in both lobes, which have now completely resolved, with the exception of these 3.  The largest of the 3 now measures 2.7 cm. across.Any advice or sharing of stories would be appreciated- also anyone who had liver resection such as this- how long did it take you to recover both internally, energy wise, and so far as the cut/scar?  I'm 41 yrs old & have done very well with my chemo and not having many side effects, so I hope that I would heal pretty quickly.Thanks in advance,Lisa  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23499,0.htm lisaann Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am the administrator of the forum which provides discussion to patients with liver diseases (hepatitis c, fatty liver, liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and NASH liver). You can get much useful information about liver health and share your experiences there. Welcome to visit http://www.liver-health.info/, http://english.kenkyusho.com/  As an administrator of liver health forum, I would like to help more people to get rid of liver disease. If you have any question about liver health, pls feel free to contact with us. Our email is --Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, email address removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html-- http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23322,0.htm tokyo7788 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My father-in-law is in the final stages of metatastic liver cancer.  He was diagnosed in May of 2007 with gallbladder cancer.  He did not see an oncologist for awhile because he was told he was too weak.  In October of "07, the cancer had spread to his stomach and liver.  He chose to not have any treatment because many of his friends had tried chemo and radiation and they were so sick, he didn't want to live the rest of his life sick.  He is now severly jaundiced and losing weight rapidly.  He tells my husband that he is not in any pain.  I pray that's the truth.  In the last week, he has gotten so weak he is having trouble walking and getting out of the bed.  My husband says that he hardly spoke any last Wednesday night while he was there.  The family is heartbroken.  I know there's no one can give you a "time table" but God but I need to prepare myself so that I can be there for my husband.   If someone has any kind of answer for me, I would love to hear from you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22938,0.htm 1stdaughterinlaw Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Just learned that my brother has liver cancer and have been researching most of the night.  I read the board regarding a Noni juice and would like to obtain Dr. Tim's contact information.  Can anyone assist me please? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22869,0.htm dporter579 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer on Nov 07, 95% of his stomach was removed. Cancer also went to the lymph nodes and he went through chemo for only 2 weeks because he couln't take it, he got like blisters in his mouth.. He had 28 radiations! lost  alot of weight but now that he is gainning that weight back and feeling better, he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Dr said that surgery or any other treatment is not an option. He said 4-6 months maybe a yr tops. This is a nightmare and I am looking for any other alternatives. Is any body familiar with anything? Desperate daughter! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22847,0.htm Bebita Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am a stage 3 breast cancer survivor of  5 years.  I actually have gratitude for the experience.  It was a very spiritually uplifting time for me in my life.  I could literally feel everyones prayers for me.  I learned alot about faith.  I learned that I had to have a positive outlook in order to conquer the disease.  I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  It was very difficult but I know I received divine help and I've never felt so loved in my life.Two years ago, my husband began to have blockages due to Crohns disease.  After several visits to the hospital and a weight loss of 45 lbs, we found a new doctor and my husband ended up having 2 ft of his colon removed.  Surprise- it was cancer. It went into the lymph nodes as well.  After finishing chemo only 10 mo. ago,  the cancer appears to have metasticized to the liver.  There are 2 tumors- one just under half an inch, the other 1 1/3 inches.  They are close together. We're going in for the petscan today.  My question is:  How curable is Metastatic Liver Cancer today?  What are the statistics?  It doesn't sound good to me,especially after returning only after 10 months.  Or maybe the chemo didn'[t really do the job.  I would really love some information. It's hard to find that faith that I had during the cancer I went through.  It's out of my control.  Everyone responds differently to the disease.  I can't see how my husbands lifestyle  can contribute to healing.  An average work day for him (being self employed) is 14 hours.  He began to work even more hours after finding he had the disease.  I'm grateful that he's been able to continue to work most of the time through chemo treatments.  But he never gave himself time to heal, in my opinion.  He doesn't seem to know the meaning of rest.  I'm trying to support and encourage him but it's so hard to find hope at this point.  I pray alot.  I'm finding strength.  I'm trying not to dwell on fear. I know this can be an opportunity to learn if we allow it to be.  God knows and we're trying to learn what that might be.  Please help me understand what my husband is going through.  Thank you.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22799,0.htm Gratitude Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have had Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) twice. Once in the liver in 2001 it was surgically removed and it came back last year in the lung and lymp node. This have also been removed , and a bit has grown back in the same spot but not in the liver- Knock on wood!  I have been on Nexavar 8 days and they had to take me off because I developed such an intense rash it looks like an allergic reaction to the drug.  I hope not- we will wait and see.  Has anyone else experienced an all over body rash that is hot? They may ease me back on to it after the rash subsides Secondly I keep reading in other messages about Y90 and Chemo Imbolization can you expand more on those for Hepatoceullular Carcinoma patients.  I have been to 3 Comprehesive Cancer Centers and no one has ever mentioned them. Where are you getting these treatments.  I have also been researching Cancer Centers of America- has anyone gone there? ThanksJackie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22760,0.htm WellnessWarrior Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My brother went to the emegency room and was diagnosed with liver cancer, Hepatatis C and also Cirrosys he has seen an Oncologyst she refered him to a surgeon, the surgeon refered him to another  specialist liver surgeon at City of Hope in Duarte California more test were done ,same results tumors can not be remove so  they said that they were going to perfom something called chemo embolization, but yesterday we received a phone call  from from city of HOPE that we need it to go back to see ANOTHER  oncologyst.   I'm so  very confused I don't know what to do next or where  to go ? does anyone know of a good Liver specialist in  Los Angeles area  "california". any Advice thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22717,0.htm martitad Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello to anyone who can give me some information. My mom has metastatic liver cancer for which she has been receiving chemo for five months. She was recently hospitalised for severe ascites and dangerously low electrolyte levels. Her blood work showed that her bilirubin levels were at 5.5 and she is very weak and jaundiced.She has been remaining steadfastly upbeat and we do not want to ask her questions that may upset her or diminish her hope. I live abroad and it takes a minimum of two days for me to get to where she lives (in a very remote rural town). I am more and more worried that I need to go to be with her immediately. I'm going to see whether her doctor will speak to me without her knowledge - something I'm not comfortable with, but I am increasingly worried.If anyone can tell me their experience of her symptoms and the preparation her family should be making I would be so grateful. I'm due to visit her in two weeks time and am now thinking of going sooner.Nancy http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22691,0.htm inbirmingham Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi.. My 84 yo Uncle (who currently lives alone) is moving in with us tommorow .he was diagonosed with liver, spine,lung cancer 2 weeks ago . He had pet scan/bone scan/ cat scan .. was told its extensive. He has lots of back pain. Has pain meds. Was told he has 1-2 months . We are going to try some raditation to help the pain .I have 3 daughters twins 18 and a 21 yo living with us yet. I saw my father die slowlyat his hous  5 years ago and we had hospice. It was tramatic .. but life goes on .. i am wondering how my young daughters will deal with this . Its all family and we must do what we have to do. He is not eating or drinking ..he was serverly dehydrated .. he needed 2 hrs in drs office today for hydration. I am setting him up in our den for his care .. we will get hired help and or hospice as we see fit . He still walks (shakey)and talks .All I guess i am saying is please pray for us ..as this will be a very sad trip .                    Thank you http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22672,0.htm breadman Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer a year ago. This was a complete surprise as he had had no symptoms. However when he was operated on they found liver mets and also removed his spleen. He also had a small spot on his lung. He has had fourteen chemo sessions and after the last scan the oncologist was pleased and said that all the lessions had shrunk and he was to have another scan after six weeks, this is due on the 22nd April and I am already getting frightened. My husband is a born optimist and says that he wouldn't feel so well if it had got worse. Any words of encouragement please? I must say that he looks a picture of health.                                          Tina  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22644,0.htm Betina Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I live in India with my father. He is 73 years old. He has been diagnosed with:1. unresectable HCC advanced stage (stage 3a).The oncologsit says it is malignant based on a 64 skice CT scan and an Alfa Protein Test with a readng of 3647 (reference range less than 6). No biopsy has been conducted. Metatstases is undetermined.My father has absolutely no symptoms except substantial weight loss (5-6 kilos) over the past 6 months wheh he was in the US with my brother. We lost my mother about 6 months back. So we ascribed the weight loss to emotional stress and also tot he fact that in the US he was walking 3 miles a day.He has tested postive for Anti HEV (IgM) is positive. Anti HCV EIA III Generation is positive. HCV RT PCR QUANTITATIVE Viral Load: 16513 copies/ml2.cirrhosis liver with portal hypertension.No treatment suggested3. Coronary Artery Syndrom:  acte cardiac sybdrome.No specific diagnosis. The Gastroenterologist and Oncologist gave a clerance for a coronary angiogram but given his liver condition the cardiologist decided against the angiogram and the consequent angioplasty/bypass. He is now on medical management.SummaryAll the doctors have opined that not many  treatment options are  available now for all the three conditions because of the combination of conditions.The oncologist has ruled out all forms of liver cancer treatment (surgery, adiation, radio ablation, cryosurgey, etc.). He has now been put on a course of Xeloda (2500 mg/day). Nexavar was suggested as an option but it is prohibitively expensive and we have no medical insurance.Iin addition I could not find much data on extension of survival time and prognosis. My understanding is that  that survival time using Nexavar is extended between 1 to 3 months on an average.My father has not touched a single drop of alcohol in his life. he is a non-smoker and a vegetarian from birth. He has followed a strict regimen of yoga, physical exercise and meditation fot the past 40 years and has had a completely disciplined lifestyle.In 1955 he had a bout of jaundicwe which now in hindsight seems to have been hepatitis C. The doctors' opinioin is that the virus has remained dormant and has led to the cirrhosis and ultimately cellular hepotama.I would be grateful for all the assistance and support that I the members of this board can offer me. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22636,0.htm ramsabi Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone,My Dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer with mets to the liver in October of 2007.  He's been getting a fever on and off since then, but in the last 3 months, it's been every night, and more recently starting earlier and earlier in the day, now he has it all day and night.  His doctors tell him to keep taking tylenol to bring the fever down, and that the fevers are due to the liver tumors, and it's just part of the disease.  The fevers are getting higher and less responsive to tylenol.  His fever was over 103 degrees and he took 2 extra strength tylenol and it only brought it down a bit after 2 hours so he had to take 2 more.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I am so scared for him that the tylenol will stop working all together and his fever will just keep going up until it kills him.  He's seen 2 oncologists and they dont know what to do for him with the fevers except tell him to keep taking tylenol.  Is this rare or are there others who have had high fevers due to liver tumors and what did you do? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22525,0.htm Linds Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT my mom has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer - this has obviously blindsided our family as my mother has always been fit and healthy.  Her Doctors seem to be doing the right thing but then again this is new- we did get asecond opinion that confirmed the actions of her doctor but there are still so many questions.   she seems so weak cannot eat due to nausea is on high doses of morphne for the intense pain she looks a walking skeleton she has lost a tremendous amount of weight in a short amont of time If anyone is out there please help !   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22502,0.htm tigerlilyhair Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Sorry to dump on you , but my wife was just diagnoised with bowle cancer and ovarian cancer 4 weeks ago.  Then just two days ago, she had the right ovaian cancer removed (football size), and a small section of her bowle re-sectioned, and then was informed by the sergen that she has approx 6 mets on her liver. today the oncologist has informed us that she will start chemo approx 3 to 4 weeks time, and have repeated CT scans to monitor the situation. I am also worried as we live in a small country area with limmited expertise (Australia, Victoria,Gippsland). ////does any one have any advice. scared stiff http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22390,0.htm Rossco Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband has just been diagnosed with cancer in the liver that is metastic SCLC lung cancer.  Chemo helped his lung tumor, but it now appears to be in his liver.  On the CT scan today, I saw spots in the liver.  He will have Topotecan treatment if he can tolerate it.  He is weak at this point after 3 1/2 months since diagnosis. Can anyone give me an idea of the prognosis of this type of cancer in the liver.  I don't really know what to expect.  The dr is not forthcoming so far. Thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22336,0.htm Lacey71 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone,I am new to this site... wish I had found it a year ago.  In January 07,My mom (who was 54 at the time) was dianosed with a Heptic Hemangiopericytoma.. basically, cancer of the blood vessels in the liver. In May 07 she had 70% of her liver removed and we all were very optimistic that she was would now be in the clear.  Unfortunately, 6 weeks after her surgery, a MRI showed that cancer had returned and her tumor started growing rapidly... starting off at 0.3 millimetres... and doubling in size every 6 weeks. She did two types of chemo, but to no avail.... she is now in terrible pain, her tummy burns all the time.. she is taking 20 mg of Oxcycontin every 8 hours and some other "break through" drugs". My question is this....She started vomiting a week ago.. i am not sure what the vomiting means?? She is taking Gravol in order to keep her food down.. but is still sick to her stomach all the time. I am not sure how to help her...  I think I am still in shock that this is happening. I dont know what all the stages are??  Can anyone offer any advise?Thanks,Lisa http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22328,0.htm LisaMills Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello - I am new here. My dad has not yet been diagnosed and we are hoping for a 'benign' reading from biopsy. But, here is my question: I have read amazing things about Ethanol injections (something like a 70-90% five-year survival rate).  So, why do more doctors not use this therapy?  It seems pretty safe and easy. Does anyone know about the Ethanol treatment for liver cancer tumors? We are all so scared and I am looking for anything positive. Please answer if anyone has any info.  Thank you http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22294,0.htm 12ellyellysmom Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT