Becoming Real

Mike5072
Mike5072 Member Posts: 12
in Liver Cancer #1

Since I was diagnosed with HCC in Decemebr 2014 I've felt like I have been just playing with having cancer, even though I had five tumors and initially given a year to live.  Since then, i have had three TACE prcedures and one RFA performed, which have been very successful in shrinking or stopping growth.  Prior to each treatment my AFP would increase significantly and then fall into the normal range, only to start climbing again shortly after the treatment.  Currently, the AFP is rising and scans are not showing any new growths of tumors.  My oncologist thinks the cancer is circulating around in my liver, waiting to form a new tumor or going into another area of my body.

I have now been scheduled for the start of chemotherapy in mid-June, using Opdivo as the chemo drug(providing the insurance company will approve it).  It now becomes real to me.  Up to this point I've felt relatively good, look healthy and except for fatigue and a little mental sluggishness(from nexavar) been able to do what I want.  In fact, I've felt almost guilty in saying I have cancer when I compare myself to others with cancer.  I think I have been fooling myself somewhat, not taking it seriously.  Kind of like when you are in your twenties and can't imagine being in your sixties.  Now though, I'm having the realization that it is serious and I'll be part of the crowd feeling lousy and looking poorly.  I guess its the price of admission to the cancer club.  I've been able to maintain a positive outlook since diagnosed, yes I know i really haven't been challenged.  I certainly want to keep that outlook and feel like I am kicking cancers ****, that I'm tougher and stronger then the disease.  Only time will tell I guess.  Truthfully I am a little apprehensive.  Good luck to all of you with this desease.

Comments

  • Johns Wife
    Johns Wife Member Posts: 14
    #2
    Prayers

    Dont ever give up, you still are kicking Cancers ****!!!

  • Positiveme
    Positiveme Member Posts: 10
    #3
    you are the fighter

    you are diagnosed as the same time with my dad ( Aug 2014) and it has been almost 3 years now in this awesome journey.

    Last time doctor told my dad you have 6 months to live, but we proved him wrong. 

    You and my dad will beat the statistics. Keep it up and stay strong.

    Try rto research for immune therapy program in your area. it works well with my dad so far.

    Finger cross to you and family. 

     

  • Liver cancer
    Liver cancer Member Posts: 52 Member
    #4
    Liver cancer is very real

    How are you doing? Did you beat that cancer yet? How well did the drug do, and were the side effects bad?

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