Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer?
:-)
From all the metastatic liver cancer stories we gather, few of them are told by a cancer survivor.
Some that passed away did get chemotherapy, but this cancer treatment was only to:
- reduce pain (in case it can temporarily reduce or slow down the growth of a cancer)
- prolong life.
But we get puzzled when reading Kistan2’s comment on Avastin for metastatic liver cancer where she says :
they tried another infusion of Avastin but
we all knew that this next infusion of Avastin
wouldn’t do anything to help my husband
What worries me is where Kistan2 says : we all knew that this next infusion of Avastin wouldn’t do anything.
3 worried questions come in mind…
- when you know Avastin is not going to help, then why is it still given?
- are you sure "all" knew?
Father had clearly asked if there was any chemotherapy that could cure him, and the answer given to father was a clear NO.
Having that knowledge, it’s no point in discussing 5FU, Avastin, Nexavar or what we thought was quite a cute medicine: Xeloda (being a pill that supposedly only starts working when it finds a cancer cell…, don’t be fooled: it’s chemotherapy taken orally…).
- do you tell the patient he or she is dying?
When people don’t know the cancer will kill them, then these people still have hope and courage to try anything.
In father’s case:
if he was told there was hope for a cure,
he would have taken a severe chemotherapy cocktail, no matter what.Severe, as he had secondary liver cancer with unknown primary. In proper English: nobody knew where his cancer originated from, so in order for a chemotherapy to be effective, they needed to fight "all cancers possible".
Always ask your oncologist what can be expected and
how sure he is relying on his experience.
In simple words: in my experience I have a few friends that survived breast cancer after being treated with radiation, mastectomy and chemotherapy. So when I hear ‘breast cancer’ I have hope (knowing very well that treating breast cancer is a much more difficult and much longer road than surviving dengue fever or treating a cold).
When it comes to metastatic liver cancer, my experience so far is: not having encountered any secondary liver cancer survivor. If you have, please ask him or her to share with us his cancer story!
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63 Responses to “Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer?”
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Hi
Ive just lost my partner Jackie 43yrs old to Cancer Metastic Liver Dease with an unknown primary, Jackie had symtoms for only four and a half weeks before peacefully passing away at home.
Jackie never smoked or drank and had a active lifestyle looking after two Children 10 and 5 yrs old.
My self and my children are devistated.
Paul
[...] Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
@Paul
All our hugs and prayers to you and your family. The road is long and hard.
We explained in Jackie 43 years old passed away to metastatic liver cancer why Trish of 43 is a metastatic liver cancer survivor but Jackie is not.
Please leave your support or hugs for Paul and his 2 children.
Hi
I send all of my love and support for those who have been affected by liver cancer either directly or indirectly. My father passed away almost 4 months ago at the age of 55 from this disease. I miss my dad every day that passes. So this is my prayer, I pray that one day liver cancer will be able to be treated and the statistics of those who survive this disease rise. God Bless You All!
HI ya I m so sorry to hear of Jackies Passing away I ve been diagnosed with breast cancer early stage and know i will survive and it hurts me to see people suffer from lost ones Im 41 and diagnosed when 39 never thought i d see this day but am pessimistic and think it will kill me eventually so hope your donig ok hun
[...] Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
@Chrissy
Thanks for sharing, we still have the "4 months" feeling after now 18 months.
More thoughts about your comment at Chrissy’s metastatic liver cancer story
My hug and prayer to you and your family.
I cant begin to explain the hurt and the pain this cancer is causing my life.. Ive just turned 22 and my fathers lying in a hospice awaiting his fate. Me and my father were never close and when I went back to New Zealand in September 2007 (my dads from Norway) I got a letter in the mail in December. It was from him saying hes now found out hes got liver mets.
I remember my whole body just froze and I felt the pressure build up behind my eyes.. the only think I could do was go back. I came back in April 2008 and he didn’t look good at all, and it was only then I realized what a responsibility I had in front of me.
My family here suck to put it lightly and couldnt care less about him. So Ive had to face this war with him alone. There has been a lot of ups and downs and only now has the cancers true colors begun to show itself..
It started with him just not wanting food at all anymore not that he was eating much before that and I just knew I had to call the hospice. His liver has now enlarged in only a matter of three days and his spleen has enlarged to, I broke down in tears when I saw this as i realized this is the next level.. A level im having a very hard time accepting.
It doesn’t make it easier when the family that actually do care are down in New Zealand.. its hard not having anybody here. Im terrified to go see him as im scared as to how much more he will have progressed.. he cant walk anymore or do anything himself and hes just gotten so weak..
I’m just having trouble with the fact that hes never coming home again.. I feel like I’m mourning his death everyday as the pain of it all is so strong.
My birthday wish this year was that I hope he doesn’t suffer a lot of pain when he leaves me behind.. its such a shame we never had that father – son relationship.. and now it will never happen..
I’m scared of when the next bomb will go off.. because no matter what i do.. i just cant prepare myself for this..
[...] Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
@Patrick
All our hugs and prayers.
Get some inspiration in our cancer story at One caregiver is never enough! Patrick’s father has metastatic liver cancer.
Keep us updated with anything you want to share: if writing things down helps you get the burden a bit of your shoulder, please go ahead.
Try to get more family members to help you: any help is better than none. For those who want to help: don’t go and visit like you would visit your brother, sister or neighbour.
A care giver needs:
@Anne
Thanks for sharing and sorry for the late reply. We answered your comment at :
Breast cancer survivor stories – please contact Anne
We request all breast cancer survivors and care givers to share their stories at the sites below, so people like Anne who have to start their breast cancer journey, don’t have to walk it all alone!
Share your breast cancer stories at:
[...] Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
Patrick,
I know how you feel. You just explained my feelings too.
One Tuesday just over five weeks ago I awoke to the start of the worst part of the rest of my life. The day before I had taken my 26 year old son to the doctor with the results of a CT scan which showed colorectal cancer with very serious metatastic liver and some lung cancer and was told that the outcome would be poor.
This came as a complete shock as he is not a drinker, smoker or drug taker. Just a normal laid back down to earth guy.
Later he had to have an emergency operation to relieve the pressure in his bowel which was originally diagnosed as constipation.
Subsequently he has undergone two lots or intravenous chemo and is udergoing the second round of oral chemo.
He is also complimenting these drugs with alternative therapies administered by his aunt an oncology nurse with an Msc. in cancer nursing who also nursed her own way back from breast cancer with these therapies and chemo and is now completely free of cancer.
My son is in good spirits eating well (more than he has done for ages) and gaining weight. He has no repsonsibility to anybody but to just get well and is off work from his normal job in IT.
On his last visit to the oncologist his liver levels were down by 50% which is good.
I will keep you posted on his progress; the main thing I think is to stay positive and stress free.
Wish us well.
Jim
I am sorry to hear your story. It sounds a lot like the road I am on. My mom and my best friend was just diagnosed with breast cancer metastis to the liver and bone – Advanced Stage IV. We celebrated when we thought she beat Breast Cancer in 2006. They did a bone scan and ct scan in 06 that said – 4 foci consistant with mestatis in the bone. Then they did a Petscan and ruled it out. We celebrated!! Then just 2 months ago she started getting sick alot. We thought it was because of the pain meds she was taking for the pain in her back. Then she would not eat and she lost 24 pounds in 2 months. I began playing doctor back in 06 and started a medical library on her. I was with her in every single test – seriously – I was in the room for xrays and ultrasounds and in the prep room of every surgery. I thought I was on top of all her medical issues. In reviewing her records, I brought it to the docs attention that she had diabetes. We were just about to treat her leg blockage when we got hit with this diagnosis. How could i have missed this!??! This cancer has been growing in there for 2 1/2 years and we were worried about diabetes and blocks. Anyway, today she can eat and can’t stop throwing up. She can’t even take any meds for the pain or nausea – that comes right up. She is dehydrated and gets fluids every other day at radiation (which is done M-F – Chemo on Tue). The docs don’t want to say she is dying but IS SHE? What is the path of this brutal disease? Am I on borrowed time? I haven’t left her side in the last 2 weeks except to take care of my kids and husband at home and to work. I don’t want to miss a minute of her – even if it’s holding her barf bucket and wiping her face. My Dad and Mom both are holding onto hope that she will get better soon. I can’t be that optimistic. I saw the cancer in her lung on the screen and the bone cancer all over her body (including her fasical bones). Can someone tell me what stage of this nasty disease we are at? Days, Weeks, Months….. Should I take a leave from my job? Are we at the end? I want to be with her when God takes her. I need to be with her holding her hand when she leaves. Please give me any info and insight you have. I have accepted Gods will but I need the peace of being with her. Please give me an idea where we are so I don’t miss that.
Janet
my father 86 he has copd with lunger, lymph nodes and liver cancer he can do no treatments i pray everyday we have 1 more christmas with him part of me is dieing everyday with him i cant imagine living on this earth without him the hard part is not knowing when i tell him goodnight i love you and kiss him and say i’ll see you in the morning knowing 1 on these mornings i wont see him he deserves a wonderful funeral he was a POW in wwII hes a great and wonderfu manl but i dont even have enough money for a card board box to put him in i am so sorry for all of you that has been and who is going thru this god bless you and all of your families
@Janet
Insist the doctors and specialist to give you a diagnosis (no need to bring your mother along, that if needed can always done in another appointment).
Ask for a second opinion in a center specialised with the diagnosis set by the first doctors and or specialists.
We featured your story at Dying from liver failure where we also talk more about end stage symptoms.
@everybody
Give Nicole a hug:
her father has stage iv lung cancer
I have read many stories posted on this blog as I was trying to find some answers to my best friends horrible diagnosis. My best friend of nineteen years was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which has already spread to her liver. She is only 32 years old. While I try to keep a positive attitute, I too am starting to mourn her death before she is even gone. Im scared for her. I dont want to see her suffer. She has three young children, one of which is a newborn. The doctors are going to start chemo on her and hopefully shrink the tumors before operating. Im hoping that she is young enough that there is some chance of survival. I know the odds are against her. I dont know how to comfort her, and I also dont know how to fight the tears from my eyes everytime I get on the phone with her and she tells me she cant eat, she’s constantly throwing up, shes weak, and simply tired of living. I keep telling her to fight we have to have faith. I cant bring myself to tell her Im scared shes going to die. The doctors told her she may have 2 to 8 years to live if she responds to chemo. I love her so much, we grew up together and shes a sister to me more than anything. I also lost a good friend of mine to stomach cancer 5 years ago. She died at age 34. I feel like history is repeating itself. I dont know how to Im going to cope watching her go thru chemo, possibly lose her hair and weight, and just overall suffer. Can anybody give me any advice?
@Shiana
Dear Shiana,
We shared our thoughts and answered your questions at:
Death of Patrick Swayze : never start mourning a person who is still alive.
In the case of Patrick Swayze: it’s almost one year that he outlived his cancer diagnosis, so that’s one year his family and friends have been able to enjoy lots and lots of good moments with Patrick Swayze.
[...] Shiana left the following comment at Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer. [...]
[...] Jim left this comment more than a month ago at can-chemotherapy-cure-metastatic-liver-cancer. [...]
@Jim
We still wish you and your family well Jim!
Since a month has passed between your comment and now,
we featured your metastatic liver cancer survival story at :
Colon cancer spread to liver
We would love to read an update and asked you some extra questions at :
Colon cancer spread to liver
I would like to post an update on my son. He is taking Xeloda and Oxaliplatin intravenous. He was recently told that the tumour in the bowel had shrunk from 1.4 to 1.1cm and the liver cancers were receeding. The oncologitsts were extremely surprised (they actually said the improvements were significant) and have now decided to give him a second round of chemo. He was origianally told that if the first round of chemo made no improvement that would be it. He is on the second round now and after these three he will be going onto Xeloda orally for a time (we don’t know how long).
The other thing is that the oncology dept and hospital have been marvelous and very caring.
Conclusion from report of last scan:
“Internal improvement post chemotherapy in the form of decrease in the size of lung lesions as well as liver metastasis and primary site at sigmoid colon”.
He is still gaining weight and eating well and has no sickness whatsoever and no hair loss; he even looks healthier now than he did prior to diagnosis- albeit he gets tired sometimes. He is also staying positive and we are looking after him so he can get well. His aunt also treats him with relaxation procedures three times a week.
I have to admit that I think the complimentary treatment is helping with the chemo. I don’t know but something seems to be working.
I will keep you posted.
I have so much faith that this is going to work.
Jim
@Jim
We still wish you and your family well Jim!
Thanks for the update that we featured
with some extra questions for you and all chemotherapy users at:
Jim’s son successful secondary liver cancer treatment
Looking forward for your update next month or anytime you feel like dropping by.
Thanks Jim!
I wrote about 1-2 months ago about my father he had lung cancer that had mets to the liver and was in stage 4. my father passed on 12-14-08. it was so quick and the pain i feel is so bad. keep everyone close to all of you and enjoy all time you have with your loved ones.
@Nicole
(Nicole’s lung cancer story is featured here: Give Nicole a hug: her father has stage iv lung cancer)
Give your condolences, hugs and prayers to Nicole!
We know pain is indescribable…
You can still pass Christmas imagining your father is one of the stars in the sky.
Just like we imagined father was the sun that peeped through the clouds on the cold winter-day of his funeral.
Feel free to drop by anytime Nicole!
Hugs, prayers and all our love.
I was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer of unknown origin on August 1, 2007.
I’ve been given several chemotherapy injections over the first 6 months with no change. I was on oral Xeloda for 8.5 months, again with no change.
Other than pretty mild reactions to the chemos – the worst being fatigue! I stopped taking Xeloda in Oct. 2008. I will be given another CT scan the 1st week of Feb, 2009.
Does that make me a “survivor”? Nothing has gotten better, and nothing has gotten worse. All my blood tests are fine. I imagine you are wondering if I DO have cancer. Yes, unfortunately.
In July 2007 I had a CT scan to help diagnose a cough that wouldn’t go away. They found several tumors in my liver instead.
I had a biopsy and they determined it is adenocarcinoma in the liver but of unknown origin.
I’ve decided to be “done” with cancer. I’m just going about my life as if it wasn’t there. It’s a LOT less stressful that way. I’m going to get CT scans every three months and have all the blood tests – I’m not in denial, just figure I am living with all these tumors in my liver and I’m not going to let them get me down any longer.
Anyone else have this type of experience?
Patti
[...] Patti commented her secondary liver cancer story at Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer or do we need to explore other cancer treatment option…? [...]
@Patti
Thanks for sharing Patti and
Lots of hugs
We featured your cancer story and question for similar experiences at :
New survivor Patti’s secondary liver cancer treatment eliminating chemotherapy side effects
I’m a IIIc Ovarian Cancer patient where my cancer has spread to the liver, colon, and the lungs (quite possibly more places). I live for right now. I’m married to the man of my dreams and we got married just 2 days before my very first chemo treatment. We’re in this together and still are. I just recently got off of the drugs Avastin and Etoposide after 6+ years of living with this disease. To say I have had my share of chemo is an understatement.
Now that I have a small break from chemo, I plan to try alternative methods to rid myself of this disease including a healthy organic diet, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and I also utilize cannabis for extreme pain, nausea, and digestive problems. My colon hardly works so I really have to be on top of things constantly. I can’t use any narcotic or really any pain medications since they tend to block up my system. Hence the cannabis. It also makes me incredibly thirsty which in turn allows me to easily consume massive amounts of water and of course the prune juice. Oh yum!
I do have an internist who over sees my many digestive problems and I am not allowed to eat raw vegetables because its too complicated for me to digest. I do eat lots of protein shakes, take vitamins, and utilize wheat grass. Yes, I wish to stay around for many, many more years.
I was provided antidepressants which I took for a few years until my cancer had returned after 3 and half years of which I decided to get my dream dog. I had always dreamed of getting a Shetland Sheepdog my entire life and since life can be short; why not? She’s a beautiful Blue Merle Sheltie named Blue Belle. She really does make a serious difference in my mood and I can’t think of anything that can make me smile (oh my husband too!) like she can. We’ve trained her very good and she is a Canine Good Citizen and my service dog. I get anxiety attacks sometimes and she is very able to calm me from them. What can I say, cancer sucks but she, my husband, my friends, my family all make living with it so much better. I hope we can find a cure soon!
@CJ
Thanks for sharing, we will feature your complete story in the beginning of next month and already a little at Jan 26th!
Hugs!!!
Just a very quick update on my son. Yesterday 22/01/09 he received the results of the latest CT scan. There has been a verry very remarkable decreased in the liver metastasis, probably more than 65 % from the last scan. The oncologoist was elated and said that the decrease was extraordiary in the short time and they have now decided to stop the oxaliplatin and put him one Xeloda for the next couple of weeks to give him body a rest. The lung lesions are stable and the colon tumour is too. They want to rid the liver of the cancer first then look at an operation to remove the colon tumour when he is strong enought to take the operation.
Things are looking good. And I am sure the alternative therapy is a major aid to his recovery.
I will keep you posted and give you a list later of the alternative medicines.
Best wishes,
Jim
[...] Because cancer is best explained by the people that have experienced it up close. [...]
[...] Share your experience about about this utterly devastating cancer so we can come together to: [...]
Many many thanks Jim for your update.
We featured your son’s improvement at Successful colon cancer treatment.
We wish you and your family well!
Looking forward to read your son’s list of alternative treatments.
My Heart goes out to all you folks as I know the struggle well. Jenny is now in her 12th year of a cancer battle and was sent home to die now almost a tear ago. When they sent her home they said it would only be a few weeks. but jenny sews from her chair every day. Breast cancer was found in 1996. Chemo, radiation, mastectomy and reconstruction followed , none of which were neither fun OR successful. jenny, My wife of 41 years cant walk or stand as tumors have destroyed her back, hips, legs and neck. All of this while in an ongoing regimen of many different poisons purposed to “help her”. At home , on hospice now, but refusing to give in or give up. She was to be “Gone”months ago.
Ive said all that to give you hope. I started a blog to help and encourage all of you who struggle. There is so very much you can do to battle these cancers , And none of it comes from your Doctor. You have the tools to change your prognosis. I would invite you to scan the articles i’ve writtin as we have learned new and important facts on our Cancer journey. to many to post here. but if you begin today to care for the body God gave you, you’ll be amazed at the results.
Begin to drink fresh organic juice every day, at least twice, drink good clean water and avoid sugar as it shuts down your immune system. Stop eating processed foods And eat as much raw veggies as you can. Jenny can be so very sick that just the smell of food does her in, but every time this happens i cut up a couple fresh tomatos and cucumbers and she eats it all. Things designed by God seem to work,,,hmmmm?
Avoid putting shampoo’s mousses, hand creams etc on your skin, they contain alcohol, bleach and formeldehyde, all known poisons that soak in your pours and tax your immune system.
hair sprays window cleaners , detergents also are toxic and hurt you, especially if your already battling cancer or some other disease.
these are just a few of the things that are hurting you right now, and every one can be replaced by somthing more tolerable.
Microwave’s leach plastic toxins on foods heated. Aluminum pans also leach chemicals. the list is long
But dont give up hope, there are many tools for you to use and you have an amazing body created by an Awesome Creator more than able to sustain your life.
Jenny’s battle is ongoing because we have addressed these issues. Gods very best to you all. If I can help , even in a small way, please visit, or E-mail http://www.cancer-isnt-scary.blogspot.com
thnx SSNUFFY aka Allen
[...] Commented by her husband at : Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
21/02/2009
Update of my son. He was hopitlaised four days prior to Christmas for an infection and again two three weeks ago. On the last hospitlisation they found nothing, no infection or any thing else but he had a very watery dishcage from the stoma as the bowel lining was not absobing properly because of the chemo, that has now stabalised: but whilst in hospital they decided that his condition had improved and that the bowel cancer was breaking up and upon resluts of a CTI scan (already done) and a PET scan in March they think they maybe able to remove the bowel tumour and some the the liver mets as they are about 75% reduced on last scan could even be more by now. The anitbotics made him tired but not enough to stop him swimming twice weekly in his aunts indoor swimming pool, which gave him great relaxation.
His condition is stable and his attitude positive; he is also contiuning on with the alternative treatments especially the immune system booster and mushroom extracts.
He has some pain in the stomach but this only to be expected as the bowel is reforming after chemo (which he has stopped now for three weeks, as four weeks is esential for good PET scan results. When the pain is bad he takes Endone, but only when it is really bad and that is not that often.
He is staying positive and talking about when he will be able to get back to his IT job as being at home is a bit boring. He makes very complicated models imported from Japan for therapy and to keep himself occupied.
I will update after the PET scan to let you know what is happens.
Best wishes,
Jim
Just a quick addition to my previous post. My son came back today from seeing the oncologist and his cancer count is down from 2100 to 35 (Yes that is correct 2100 to 35)
Jim
[...] Commented at Can chemotherapy cure metastatic liver cancer? [...]
Hi, I wanted to share with you all a post I wrote on my Cancer Blog for Caring.com about new treatments for liver cancer. Here’s the link:http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/new-hope-for-liver-cancer
I hope this information is helpful, and would appreciate it if you’d send cancer patients to our site as well if they need more information. Also, I was invited to be a guest blogger here and would love to do so!
Thanks for the invitation!
Melanie Haiken, Senior Editor, Caring.com
Thanks Melanie!
We featured your website caring.com at:
Melanie Haiken helps you to help your parents at caring.com
Hugs and looking forward to work together.
Hello to everyone, it has only been 4 months since my father passed. Seems like forever. I still come on the site to read other stories and just feel the support I get from others stories. Dont ever give up. I know It’s hard. Stay positive. Enjoy every second that you have with your loved one. I pray for you all.
Thanks for dropping by and thanks for your prayers Nicole.
We featured your comment at:
Prayers for cancer patients
Hugs back to you and your family!
[...] Nicole left the comment below at can chemotherapy cure cancer? [...]
[...] thank Jim for his continuous updates about his son, who was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer September 2008, spread from the colon both to the liver and the [...]
hello everyone, my mother passed away january 12th of 09 with liver cancer the doctors said it probley came frome the pancreas she was sick for 2 years before with pancreatis attacks and a ruptured appendix she also had copd and was a smoker it was a struggle she was in the hospital more then out with phonomonia. She always complained of alot of pain and i couldn’t understand why the med the doc gave her never helped she always wanted more pain medicine. I honestly, thought maybe she was just addicted but, as the holidays neared and she kept getting sick and couldn’t get better i realized it was more then just COPD. I kept asking about cancer and the doctors never would say the c word she was constantly on antibotics and then iv antibotics but it wasn’t helping the pain was also alot worse she was going to a pain clinic and instead of uping her pain medicine they decreased it because it did’t show up in her urine and come to find out it was because of the cancer in her liver it did’t show.We had a really rough christmas I was trying to get her pain to ease with what little med the pain clinic gave her.3 days after christmas i took her to the hospital i told her they would give her something stronger. That was actully the last time i really got to see my mother at herself because that was when they did a liver biopsy and said it was mastastic liver cancer and that she may live another month she came home the next day with hospice we never told her she had cancer i never got a chance she slipped into a coma the day she come home and passed away 2 days later. Its been almost a year and im still having a very hard time understanding how this come about so fast without the doctors knowing i hate her not ever knowing why she was so sick and hurting the way she did some doctors think people just want the pain medicine they need to realize if someone is sick for 2 years straight SOMETHING is going on. No one should suffer with this cancer I know know she did.
Dear Angela,
Our hugs and condolences, thanks for sharing.
What we learn from your story is that if you have pain that doesn’t go away after one week, then don’t stop knocink on doctors doors until they find out what is causing the pain.
Pain is just telling you that something is wrong with your body. Painkillers take away the pain, but don’t cure. Worse: since you are no more in pain, you “forget to” make an effort to look for the cause.
On the other hand: when you know what the cause of your pain is and how to solve it, it makes perfect sence that you take a painkiller if that makes you feel better. Yet painkillers do have side-effects, hence Patrick Swayze opted not to take them to be able to work in his last months suffering with his spread pancreatic cancer.
So for all reading this: if you are in pain, do make an effort to find the cause of your pain!
Thanks Angela, all our hugs and prayers for you and your family.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago. The Drs. said she was cancer free at least we thought a few years back and then it came back or was still there. She has fought this battle for a long time now and I just need someone to talk to. The cancer has mastisized to other parts of her body and now is in her liver. They say there is nothing else she can do just to live her life to the fullest. She now has jaundice and is very weak. I want to know what we can do that maybe we aren’t already doing to help her. I dont know if there is much but any suggestions would be appreciated. We know that Drs. put a time limit on people’s life but I just think that God is the one who decides that.I dont really want to know how long she has but has anyone dealt with this type before? Thank you for your time and please write back.
Dear Karen
We have been in a similar situation. When doctors say "there is nothing else your sister in law can do just to live her life to the fullest.": they actually say: "with normal efforts and with our limited experience
we won’t be able to cure the disease".
If you would have a doctor in front of you that has a cancer survivor patient with a similar cancer as your husband, he would say: "we can cure this disease although the statistics are against you."
What our cancer survivors say is: you need to 100% believe you can cure the cancer and then you need to do everything right. If you have that mindset and energy, then read on at Jim’s son’s victory over metastatic liver cancer and step to an oncologist who believes as well and do everything right.
If you don’t believe there is a cure, what we happened to believe when our father was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer, you need to contact hospice asap and organize your life knowing that tomorrow will be more difficult than
today. Make sure you get all your friends and family members ready to help when more help is needed. They better start helping today, so your sister in law gets used to see their faces, as when the liver begins to fail more, recognizing people could become more difficult.
"Live life to the fullest" is a typical doctor’s statement. Most people just want to carry on with daily life and do the things they enjoyed doing, eat the things they enjoyed eating and see the people they enjoyed seeing.
Our father never showed any jaundice symptoms, although his last weeks were badly effected by failing liver functions.
Hugs and please ask more questions or just speak and we will listen.
My Grandfather passed away on December 1st 2009. He first was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer of December of 2008 which he then had surgery in January. Everything looked great after words but then in June of 2008 he started feeling pain in his back which spread to his belly; we took him to the doctor they did ct scans, ultrasounds and other tests they finally told us that the cancer spread to his liver. Well our real journey began after that. He began recieving chemo once a week after that but it was really rough he experienced a lot of nausea, vomiting,and weakness but he always had faith and hope. In October he ended up in the Emergency Dept. where we got the devestating news that the tumor regrew even more and he only had about “6 months” left. We grew as a family closer together but what her us was his ups and downs that he had. November was the toughest he didnt really eat anymore he couln’t get up and he would seem confused sometimes thats when the hospice nurse told us he was close to the end. Thats when we made a difficult decision we had to make his last wish come true which was to take him back to Mexico to see his two oldest sons and to be back at the house he called “home”. My mom flew with him on Nov.22,2009 with my uncle but if you could have seen him he was so happy. He had THE BIGGEST SMILE on his face and I still remember him waving bye to me with that glow in his face. We all prayed just so he could get there well b/c the doctors didn’t want him to fly but it’s a decision he took too. Thankfully, he got there safe and was well for about 3 days after that I was told his disease really progressed. Sadly he passed away on Dec.1st I understand what people are going through because I went through it. I miss him so much but atleast he is not suffering anymore. But you always have to have faith and be strong for your loved one It’s not easy but I really appreciated each day I got to spend with him. May my prayers be with those who need them because I know what they’re going through.
Thank you so much for writing me back. The whole family has been helping out with alot of things. Her husband has to work so my mother-in-law has been staying with her during the day and I as well get over there mostly everyday. She has 3 brothers and one is my husband, they go everyday after work to see her. We are doing everything we know to do. Hospice was brought in about 2 weeks ago and they come about twice a week and check on her. They told us that we are doing everything right for her and they said they admired us for talking about the possibility that she may not be here much longer and that she also talks about it and excepts it because most people dont.
I just wish there was something we could do to help take away her pain and to heal her. We do believe that God will heal her whether that be here on earth or in Heaven. It’s just so hard to imagine life without her because we are a very close family and everything we do we do together. Our kids are so close, which is good for her youngest daughter who is 14, the same age as my youngest daughter. They have always been together mostly everyday and now they are really clinging to each other. I am sorry to go on and on, just sometimes I need to talk about it.
I am trying to stay strong for my husband who is the oldest and he feels like he should take care of all of his younger siblings and trys to hold it all in, well now it’s finally breaking him down and he is so sad, as you can only imaging.
I really appreciate you letting me talk about this and it really does help to have someone outside of the family to talk to about the way I feel.
God Bless and have a great day.
Hi Karen,
Feel free to drop by anytime, also on moments of anger or, well, anytime!
Which pain are you talking about? Painmedication is a “must” unless people choose to live and work it like Patrick Swayze.
Hugs and God Bless
Hi Sayda,
God bless and hugs.
Great to hear that you were able to give your grandfather the biggest smile and let him change universe at the place he calls home.
Feel welcome to drop by anytime and share your story with others who will walk the same path as you did.
Thank you all for your comments. God took my sister-in-law home with him on Monday December 14th. It has been a rough week for all of us but we know that she is with God now in Heaven and she will no longer have to suffer from this crazy, no cure cancer.
Thanks again and God Bless.
RIP Brenda, I Love You!
My mom has stage 4 small cell carcinoma that has metastised to her liver. they gave her 3-6 months in oct 09 because of it rapidly spreading. she is now starting to get sick after meals and i am so scared this is a sign that she is failing. does anyone know what to look for? i am scared.
Hugs and condolences Brenda.
I don’t agree when you call it a crazy, no cure cancer.
I do agree that doctors are crazy to believe they can find one magic pill to cure cancer and keep on wasting billions in not finding the magic cure. That just sound like Medieval times where people believed they could make gold out of lead.
All our metastatic cancer survivors on our site show that with a change in lifestyle and a believe to cure the cancer, there is living prove that cancer can be beaten with an holistic approach: we need to do everything right and stop looking for the magic pill!
Again: hugs and condolences, there is no pain in heaven.
Hi Tracy,
Please elaborate “does anyone know what to look for?”
When doctors give up on a cancer patient and you believe them, then the cancer patient becomes like a snowman in the sun: every day there will be less snowman than the day before. If you have a cold winter, the snowman will last longer, but it won’t last forever and it will become less recognizable day after day.
Please ask your questions as most of us walked the same path as you with the same questions and same fear.
Hugs!
2010 Metastatic Liver Cancer Invitation
To keep your spirits high in 2010, we ask you to leave a comment anywhere at http://www.metastaticlivercancer.org to inspire others that are going the same path.
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Update on Jim’s son 16th January 2010.
My son has gone through some tumultous times in the past few months. In December he was hospitalised for fluid on the lungs with a poor prognosis; but he pulled through with the help of the ED and oncologly unit. At the time we were asked if we wanted him rescucitated if anything went wrong when removing the fluid on the lungs!!!! BUT he came home albeit very weak and tired. Then a few days later at home his stoma bled so much while he was cleaning it we had to call an ambulance to take him to ED, which resulted in an infection. Again, he pulled through afer spending three days and Christmas morning in hospital; he was allowed home for Christmas day and then had to return on Boxing Day morning, he was then allowed home on antibotics. He was then called back to the oncolocy unit as they found another bug in his blood. At this time we thought we were going to loose him; BUT again he pulled through and is now home.
On Thursday we got the good news that he was going to be given Erbitux as he was a candidate because the other chemo treatments were not working.
Yesterday he had the first infusion of this $40,000 progamme (paid for by the Australian government PBS for which I am so grateful). When he came home for the oncology unit yesterday I thought we might loose him as he was so sick.
This morning he was also very tired and confused and not even able to walk the stairs on his own; BUT this evening he in on his computer in the lounge having eaten the biggest meal in ages (Two small racks of Texan ribs, mashed potato and a full corn cob), and he is feeling pretty good,considering.
He has just gone to the fridge on his own and taken an ice block to eat.
I don’t know whether it is the Erbitux or the fact that he feels that he has been given another chance at medication that may cure him, or at least prolong his life.
I thank Austalian Government PBS scheme for at least giving him another chance.
Love and prayers to all people who are suffering with their loved ones or themselves.
Jim
Hi everyone,
I hope to be able to leave some of you with some HOPE – I was diagnosed in April of 2006 at the age of 30 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer with liver metastasis. At the time I had 20 tumors covering the liver and had lost 50 pounds and felt awful. The doctors did not give me much hope. They started me on Taxol, Carboplatinum, Herceptin, along with Femara and a Lupron shot to put into early menopause. I did the above for 6 months with amazing results. For the past 3.5 years I have just been taking the Herceptin, Femara and Lupron. I also use olive oil daily as it is said to help HER2+ breast cancer patients and I drink pomegranate juice as it also says it is good for breast cancer. I seriously expanded the amount of veggies I eat – such as broccoli and brussel sprouts and we started growing our own vegetable garden. I also have prayed for healing and have many others praying. So far I am hanging in – it will be 4 years since diagnosis this April. I realize I am very lucky – but hey if it’s possible for me it just might be possible for you to!! Keep on keeping on!!
Kelly