Suggestions, please, Mother just diagnosed with liver cancer

Bill83
Bill83 Member Posts: 5
in Liver Cancer #1

Thanks to all who have posted suggestions and comments here--I myself am a sarcoma survivor and remember lonely nights in the hospital "talking" to a bulletin board like this--it was a great comfort and help.  Now I hope to learn what my 90-year-old Mom faces: her Dr last week felt a lump/swelling in a normal physical, ordered  ultra-sound and CT, and says its definitely a tumor, probably primary, in the liver, 8cm, no others identified at this point.  She has previously reported no other symptoms, no jaundice, no discomfort.

The Drs we've talked to are not very optimistic that anything useful can be done--apparently reluctant to do biopsy even though there is small chance the tumor could be benign.  Mom has become very confused, disoriented in the past couple years.  I would be very grateful to hear of your experiences, prognosis, trials, alternatives, etc--anyone try licorice, other?  

Comments

  • Bill83
    Bill83 Member Posts: 5
    #2
    Suggestions

    I received many excellent suggestions on sarcoma bulletin boards 10 years ago: keeping a journal of meetings, questions, problems, etc; asking someone to help me when I felt bad; how to eat to avoid nausea and constipation; keep asking my questions of everyone until I felt I understood; much more--everyone seemed so determined to keep me alive and well.  I was 60.

    Now the silence seems almost deafening--they will sedate her and prescribe antipain drugs when needed (not yet), beyond that there are virtually no suggestions: they ask me what do I want them to do.  Most of them seem determined to let her go with minimal intervention.

    If it was for me, I'd ask them to try something, make their best effort, put me in a trial, learn something from this, do the best they can do.

    Is there anything you would try? or are trying?

     

  • Bill83
    Bill83 Member Posts: 5
    #3
    Suggestions

    The oncologist suggests no biopsy, because nothing can be done for a 90 year old.  A major Philadelphia cancer center said it will not accept medicare patients from outside the Philly area.  Are  there any options?  I've made several calls to ask about Y90 option, no affirmative response yet.

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