Liver Resection scrapped!

JDuke
JDuke Member Posts: 438
edited March 2014 in Anal Cancer #1
Looks like I am not a candidate for the liver resection. New scans show the damn tumor decided to take up residence right up on the top of the main ventricle and then wrap itself around it for good measure. The surgeon says the surgery would be too risky and no chance of clear margins if they did try. At least the additional scans didn't show anything else of particular interest at this time. I was also glad to hear that it had not grown any in the month since the last scan Dec.'09, which had actually shown it a little smaller than when first seen on the PET scan in Oct.'09. He had presented the new scans to the tumor board this morning and it was the general consensus that resection was out of the question so the suggestion was made to try Cyberknife or bland embolization. So we are going to plan B; whatever that is turns out to be. As there is no chemo that has really shown any evidence of being especially effective for the treatment of anal cancer metastases, I am uncertain about that aspect. One of the members on the colo-rectal board had Sirspheres earlier this week so I did ask the surgeon about that. Moffitt calls it Theraspheres and he said that it had not been approved for the treatment of anal cancer mets to the liver, but that it was not to be ruled out. That we can certainly pursue getting it approved. The surgeon, Dr. Malafa was so very kind throughout the whole thing, I was really touched by the compassion he showed. He also said that one of the most important things was to remain hopeful and optimistic. That sometimes a positive attitude is actually more effective than what medicine can achieve. So back to the drawing board, meeting with the Radiation oncologist next week to get her recommendations and see where we go from here. Thanks for your thoughts, concerns and prayers.
Blessings to all,
Joanne

Comments

  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    Lots of options
    Hi Joanne,
    I'm sorry about the disappointing news about the resection. But...it sounds like your doctors have several other options and that they are progressive thinking and very optimistic. That small spot is going to go...one way or another!!!!!

    I admire your incredible positive attitude and I am praying for you.

    Hugs,
    Liz
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    Joanne,

    I am sorry about the news of not being able to have the surgery. It sounds like the cyberknife might be utilized. That cyberknife must be very accurate. I asked my radiologist about using the cyberknife on the anal cancer, and he said no that would not be a good idea. From what I understand the cyberknife melts away the tumor. I hope that you get the best treatment possible. I had no idea you wouldn't treat a liver spot with chemo, due to it being caused by anal cancer. I am praying for the best outcome for your treatment.

    Lori
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Wishing you the best
    Joanne--

    I'm sorry to hear that resection is not an option for you, but I hope you remain hopeful, knowing that there are other options. It sounds like you have a good medical team on your side and that they are up on the latest procedures that can help you. Please let us know how things progress. I will keep you in my prayers.
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    Darn....I am so sorry to
    Darn....I am so sorry to hear that.....but so nice that other options are being discussed!
    I go in next Tuesday for my liver resection and am keeping my fingers crossed that there are NO surprises. Did they talk to you at all about ablation or infusion???

    You are on my prayer list!!!
  • SueRelays said:

    Darn....I am so sorry to
    Darn....I am so sorry to hear that.....but so nice that other options are being discussed!
    I go in next Tuesday for my liver resection and am keeping my fingers crossed that there are NO surprises. Did they talk to you at all about ablation or infusion???

    You are on my prayer list!!!

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 43
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Praying
    Your attitude is wonderful Joanne. I am praying that your treatment goes well and that you will be cancer free.
  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 43
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Praying
    Your attitude is wonderful Joanne. I am praying that your treatment goes well and that you will be cancer free.
  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 43
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Survivor
    I am also an anal cancer survivor. Had the standard radio/chemo in the fall of 2008 and am still cancer free. God is good.
  • Fran Chandler
    Fran Chandler Member Posts: 29
    I think you told me about this web site at Moffitt.
    Hi Joanne
    I will surely be thinking and praying that you keep up a good attitude. I know how hard it is to do that. I will be having right kidney cancer removal along with other parts on Wednesday.
    You are right about this being a great web site. Many thanks for your info.
    Fran
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485

    I think you told me about this web site at Moffitt.
    Hi Joanne
    I will surely be thinking and praying that you keep up a good attitude. I know how hard it is to do that. I will be having right kidney cancer removal along with other parts on Wednesday.
    You are right about this being a great web site. Many thanks for your info.
    Fran

    Hey good luck Fran!! I am
    Hey good luck Fran!! I am having 1/2 of my liver removed tomorrow, along with gall bladder, and whatever else gets in the way!!! At least it's one less thing to have removed later!!!
    My thought and prayers are with you.....and everyone on this site....and others :)
  • Fran Chandler
    Fran Chandler Member Posts: 29
    SueRelays said:

    Hey good luck Fran!! I am
    Hey good luck Fran!! I am having 1/2 of my liver removed tomorrow, along with gall bladder, and whatever else gets in the way!!! At least it's one less thing to have removed later!!!
    My thought and prayers are with you.....and everyone on this site....and others :)

    Hi Sue !!!
    Many thanks to you and my prayers are with you tomorrow. I had my gall bladder removed in 1993. It was not from cancer it was from gall stones. I was lucky that time. I will be thinking about you tomorrow and wishing you many good years to come.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    SueRelays said:

    Hey good luck Fran!! I am
    Hey good luck Fran!! I am having 1/2 of my liver removed tomorrow, along with gall bladder, and whatever else gets in the way!!! At least it's one less thing to have removed later!!!
    My thought and prayers are with you.....and everyone on this site....and others :)

    Good luck tomorrow!
    Sue--

    I want to wish you the very best tomorrow. May your surgery go well and be successful in ridding you of your cancer. I will keep you in my prayers.
  • JDuke
    JDuke Member Posts: 438

    I think you told me about this web site at Moffitt.
    Hi Joanne
    I will surely be thinking and praying that you keep up a good attitude. I know how hard it is to do that. I will be having right kidney cancer removal along with other parts on Wednesday.
    You are right about this being a great web site. Many thanks for your info.
    Fran

    Fran
    You are welcome. I am glad you found the site. Thanks for stopping in and letting us know. It is an awesome place to be able to connect with others that know how hard fighting this disease can be, even with different cancers we all have a lot of commonality. Good luck to you on Wednesday.
    Blessings,
    Joanne