my big brother update stage Iv colon cancer with mets liver lungs

Sundanceh said:

Hi Buttons
Erbitux is generally given when other chemo drugs have stopped working as efficiently as they were in the past. This is the reason he is probably getting this...it does have a good effect in managing tumors.

From what you are saying, I'm wondering if he is having trouble with his bile ducts in the liver? Perhaps, they are not draining correctly due to a blockage or something. Can they do a CT or perhaps an ultrasound to get a better idea?

Your brother is definitely a fighter - a trait that I admire very much. I'm not sure what else could be wrong, these are just thoughts that came to mind.

If things don't move better, you might want to consider getting another opinion from another oncologist - it's amazing how many folks here (including myself) have benefited from a "change of scenery."

Still wishing you all the best and please post back with you find.

-Craig

geotina said:

Hi Buttons:
If your brother wants to go on with chemo, then support his decision. Like Craig said, bile ducts may be affected. Several on the board have had stints put in the bile ducts. As for draining the fluid, many have had to do that also. Sometimes they only have to drain it once and then some have had to do this several times.

Write all you questions down for your appointment on Monday with your regular doctor. Many times fill in doctors won't discuss any "outcome", they prefer to have your regular doctor who is more knowledgable about the patient have these kinds of talks.

I have never heard of "holes in the liver" before so I can't address that part.

You say your brother is a fighter so he needs you in his corner to fight right along side of him and support any decision he makes regarding his treatments.

Prepare yourself for the "we will now treat this as a chronic disease" speech so you won't be blown away. Essentially the are telling you that a cure is most likely not possible but with various treatments, will be sticking around for a while with hopefully a fairly good quality of life.

Where your brother goes from here is his decision. If he asks your opinion give it to him gently but if he doesn't ask, my opinion only, say nothing except that you support him 100% in any decision he makes.

Take care - Tina

msccolon said:

fluid in abdomen
I had fluid buildup in my abdomen back in 2006 when I had a recurrence of my colon cancer on my right ovary. I had to go in and have the fluid drained off weekly, and it was always a great relief. The fluid buildup didn't stop until we resolved what was producing it, which in my case was surgical removal of the tumor. I remember the feeling of fullness getting more and more pronounced as the days passed between draining, and when my bowels no longer moved and I was no longer able to eat due to space limitations, it was time to go in and have the fluid drained off. They usually got roughly 4L of fluid each time. I know others have had the fluid retention resolve through chemo, but it's always because the cause of the fluid buildup is addressed, be it through chemo or surgery. Sounds like your brother is strong and he is very lucky to have you in his corner. Keep on with what you are doing and stay on top of everything!
mary

C Dixon said:

Ascites: fluid in abdomen
Hi, I am dealing with fluid right now. I have read and heard from docs that say diuretics really don't help ascites and they didn't help me. I had to go in like Mary and get drained (paracentisis) - not sure about the spelling! Anyway I am currently inoperable. So we are addressing the cause using chemo. I have had a pleurX catheter put in so I can drain at home instead of trekking up to the hospital every week.

The fluid strips the body of protein so he needs to make sure he is eating extra protein. He will feel better after getting drained but they will most likely come back until the cause is addressed. Don't lose hope.


Catherine