Liver Resection a NO GO

JDuke

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. They 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 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. I asked about Sirspheres (which Moffitt calls 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

Crow71

I'm aching for you so much I
I'm aching for you so much I can hardly breath. Your attitude toward your doctor is inspiring - but maybe another opinion is in order. I hope a clear plan B comes soon. Take care Joanne.
Roger

AnneCan

Joanne,
I am really sorry
Joanne,

I am really sorry that "Plan A" didn't work out, but I am glad that a "Plan B" is in motion. Your positive attitude will help you through the next steps. My thoughts are with you.

Kathryn_in_MN

So sorry
I'm so sorry the liver resection isn't an option.

So are you on no chemo, but still the tumor hasn't grown? That is very encouraging if that is the case. Maybe therashpheres or something else could be the answer. Please update us afer your appt next week and let us know what they decide for plan B.

(I wonder how often anyone gets plan A. It seems we have a whole heck of a lot of plan B's around here...)

Your attitude is amazing. I think your surgeon knows when he sees a strong person who can find a way to fight even when the plan of attack needs to change.

luv3jay

Joanne, I'm so very sorry
Joanne, I'm so very sorry that the original plan didn't work out, but happy that your docs are working on a plan B. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

-Sheri

tootsie1

Plan B it is!
Oh, me. I'm so sorry. It sounds like you have doctors who are not giving up, though. On to Plan B!

*hugs*
Gail

robinvan

Sorry to hear that Joanne
Sounds like you have a good medical team who aren't about to give up on you. On to Plan "B"! Whatever that is!

Hang in there...

Rob; in Vancouver

John23

FWIW
read this:

Killing Cancer Cells with Microwave Ablation

They insert a probe into the tumor and zap it with microwave.

They've done similar, with freezing the tumor using a probe.

Don't give up, just shop around! You may find it easier to fight
cancer, than it was to fight the effects of chemo.

(there are other options also!)

Think positive!


John

CanadaSue

So sorry
Joanne,

So sorry you did not get the news you were hoping for. But they are coming up with new treatments everyday, and I am sure one will work for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Hugs,

Sue

JDuke

John23 said:

FWIW
read this:

Killing Cancer Cells with Microwave Ablation

They insert a probe into the tumor and zap it with microwave.

They've done similar, with freezing the tumor using a probe.

Don't give up, just shop around! You may find it easier to fight
cancer, than it was to fight the effects of chemo.

(there are other options also!)

Think positive!


John

Thank you John
Interesting article. I will certainly add this information to my arsenal.
Blessings,
Joanne

msccolon

John23 said:

FWIW
read this:

Killing Cancer Cells with Microwave Ablation

They insert a probe into the tumor and zap it with microwave.

They've done similar, with freezing the tumor using a probe.

Don't give up, just shop around! You may find it easier to fight
cancer, than it was to fight the effects of chemo.

(there are other options also!)

Think positive!


John

microwave ablation
I had that done a few weeks ago, liver and adrenal gland! Go in for my followup on Wednesday! Was a relatively short recovery, with the adrenal gland causing more grief, due to the kidney being less dense than the liver. I don't really even remember much discomfort at ALL from the liver side of my body! You stay in the hospital overnight for observation, and you guys can understand how strange it was to wake up in the hospital bed and be able to come and go to the bathroom at my leisure! And eat chicken soup!
mary

Kathleen808

Joanne
Joanne,
Sorry to hear plan A was put aside but I agree with the others. It sounds like you have a strong team on your side and there will be a plan.

Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

Aloha,
Kathleen

geotina

Joanne
I'm sorry Plan A did not work out for you. It sounds like your doctors are coming up with good Plan B's. I read a while back that about 20% or less of patients with liver mets ever do become resectable, so welcome to the 80% group, of which I think George is a member. Please don't give up your fighting spirit, there are lots of other options out there. Who knows, that liver resection may still be in your future, just not at this time. That is the way I try to look at it with George, now now but maybe in the future. Take care from a friend in freezing Michigan - Tina

Lovekitties

Keep hopeful
Sorry that plans had to change, but it sounds like your health care team is willing to consider all options...so that is good.

Know that best wishes, thoughts and prayers are coming your way not only for a new treatment plan but also for strength to keep positive thoughts.

Marie

snommintj

Lovekitties said:

Keep hopeful
Sorry that plans had to change, but it sounds like your health care team is willing to consider all options...so that is good.

Know that best wishes, thoughts and prayers are coming your way not only for a new treatment plan but also for strength to keep positive thoughts.

Marie

bland embolization
I had it in sept 09. it was far more effective than either of my liver resection and with little if any down time. Had it been available when I had either of my resections I would have done that instead.

geotina

snommintj said:

bland embolization
I had it in sept 09. it was far more effective than either of my liver resection and with little if any down time. Had it been available when I had either of my resections I would have done that instead.

What is
What is bland embolization? Thanks Tina

John23

geotina said:

What is
What is bland embolization? Thanks Tina

Info?

I've learned so much on this website, my head's gonna' explode!
(well, mbbe just a pop)

Bland Embolization

Targeted Liver Embolization


Howzat?

dianetavegia

I'm so sorry to hear this
I'm so sorry to hear this Joanne.

GOOFYLADIE

Joanne
I am sorry to that you are not a candidate for liver resection. However I am so jazzed and excited for you that you have such a wonderful compassionate medical team working for you on your side. The enthusiasm in your surgeon and oncoligist to find an answer for plan B sounds like you are in good hands. Things moving forward are always good!
Have a good evening.
Goofyladie (Cass)