Mom has secondary Liver Cancer and cirrhosis what do I watch for?

1ofthree
1ofthree Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Liver Cancer #1
My mom has secondary liver cancer that started in her stomach . My family and I found out after she had a bleed from enlarged liver veins that she has cirrhosis also. She has had 2 bleeds and many bandings of the liver veins since her diagnosis on August 21, 2009. As of now the bleeding is not the issue and we can concentrate on the cancer. She had a CT scan last Thursday to see were we stand with the cancer. She was on Chemo by mouth for only 3 days before her first bleed. She is having therapy at home 3 days a week and seems to be getting stronger. we go to the doctor on October 23rd for the results of the CT scan in hopes that she can go back on the Chemo. I guess what I need to know is what should we expect? All the doctor has said is the chemo will only help not heal and it might not even do that. We have been told and from what I have read liver cancer is bad and I guess I am scared. I stay with her during the week and my sisters alternate weekends because they live out of town. She is still eating well but seems to be loosing weight. About 20 pounds since August. I guess I just need to talk to someone thats been where I am and can help.

Comments

  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    Hi and Welcome
    Hello,
    Sorry no one has responded to your post. My dad was just dx with liver cancer. He has survived esophageal cancer, had a blocked bile duct, had a stent put in his esophagus, had a stent put in his blocked bile duct, and is now getting ready to start chemo treatments for the liver cancer. By this time, I hope you mom is doing better. My experience with oral chemo is positive. Dad beat ec by taking Xeloda chemo and 6 wks of radiation. I feel that if there is treatment available, go for it. Do not give up until the drs give up. Keep us posted. Do not be a stranger to this site. It is great therapy. You will not feel alone here, and you will find that you can relate to and help alot of people in the same situation as you.
    Keep your faith. My faith has carried me through this whole journey.Prayers for you your mom and family.
    Tina
  • leanjohn
    leanjohn Member Posts: 18
    I am there with you
    My Dad is going through something similar. He has primary Liver Cancer as well as advanced cirrhosis. He has had many bleeds and banding in the past years. He recently (November) was diagnosed with cancer. They have not been able to tell us much either. I have studied and researched this as much as I possibly can. I realize that our time is very limited with him. I am so sorry that you are going through this too. My Dad is currently on Nexevar which is the only treatment available for him since liver transplant is not an option. Chemo and Radiation will not (from what I have been told) benefit my Dad. He is responding well so far with the Nexevar, but he has only been on it for 4 weeks. I will let you know how things go with that after our next CT Scan. I know this is not much help, but if you need to talk, I will listen. There are not many people out there with information about both cancer and cirrhosis. It's very frustrating. My prayers are with you and your family.