An option to consider for liver mets: Interventional Radiologist

lindaprocopio
lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I am meeting with an Interventional Radiologist Wednesday to discuss treatment options for my extensive liver metastesis. I just wanted to throw this out as an idea for those of you who may have liver mets and are running out of effective chemo options. We had to really press hard for a referral from my oncologist, but the cancer in my liver has grown so much in just the last 2 months and I have been on chemo all along. I think I am simply chemo resistant now; my last 4 chemos have allowed disease progression.

Anyway today I met with the top liver specialist at the hospital where I go, and learned that there are a LOT of ways to attack liver mets besides chemo. Originally my chemo-onc thought that since I also have cancer outside of the liver, I would not be a good candidate for liver-specific treatments. But since over 90% of my cancer is currently in my liver, it turns out I am. Wednesday I am meeting with an Interventional Radiologist to see if I am a candidate for Yttrium 90 radioembolism. I feel very hopeful knowing that there may be other effective options besides chemo for me, and wanted to share this with anyone else with liver mets. Here's what the treatment is like:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328092409.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+sciencedaily+(ScienceDaily:+Latest+Science+News)
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Comments

  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #2
    I don't have liver mets but
    I don't have liver mets but I've wondered the same thing. I was somewhat familiar with other procedures, used with other cancers, since my (late) husband had liver cancer.

    I'm really glad you pursued this. Sounds like you and I are a lot alike....always pro-active and looking for "something", rather than just going with the status quo.

    Carlene
  • MK_4Dani
    MK_4Dani Member Posts: 314
    #3
    Good Luck with your appointment.
    I hope a new treatment plan will work for you. Keep us posted. Prayers and hugs to you.
    Mary
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #4
    MK_4Dani said:

    Good Luck with your appointment.
    I hope a new treatment plan will work for you. Keep us posted. Prayers and hugs to you.
    Mary

    Other options
    Dear Linda

    Thanks for sharing that link. I know that the liver has the ability to regenerate itself unlike the kidneys.

    Did you discuss the radiofrequency ablation option with anyone?

    Best wishes for your future,

    Carolen
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #5
    carolenk said:

    Other options
    Dear Linda

    Thanks for sharing that link. I know that the liver has the ability to regenerate itself unlike the kidneys.

    Did you discuss the radiofrequency ablation option with anyone?

    Best wishes for your future,

    Carolen

    My liver mets are too extensive for radiofrequency ablation.
    I discussed all kinds sof options with the liver specialist: transplant, ablation, differnt types of embolism treatments, etc. Liver transplants when you have other cancer elsewhere are out. My liver mets are spread out all over the liver and too extensive for radiofrequency ablation. But I may still be a candidate for the radioembolism if my anatomy and insurance cooperate. I will know a little more tomorrow when I see the surgeon who does that, and know for sure after I am tested to see if I am a candidate.

    In my heart I am hoping that the radioembolism gets my liver tumors down to a size where what is left can be blasted with ablation or surgically cut away. That may be too much wishful thinking, but still, that is my secret hope.
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #6
    lindaprocopio said:

    My liver mets are too extensive for radiofrequency ablation.
    I discussed all kinds sof options with the liver specialist: transplant, ablation, differnt types of embolism treatments, etc. Liver transplants when you have other cancer elsewhere are out. My liver mets are spread out all over the liver and too extensive for radiofrequency ablation. But I may still be a candidate for the radioembolism if my anatomy and insurance cooperate. I will know a little more tomorrow when I see the surgeon who does that, and know for sure after I am tested to see if I am a candidate.

    In my heart I am hoping that the radioembolism gets my liver tumors down to a size where what is left can be blasted with ablation or surgically cut away. That may be too much wishful thinking, but still, that is my secret hope.

    Keep up the wishful thinking & it may come true
    Dear Linda

    I am glad that you are still looking into options. I don't know if you know anything about far infra-red therapy but it is something that I used as there were implants on my liver & spleen, diaphragm, etc..

    With far infra-red therapy, the heat penetrates 3 inches into the body. Since the liver is close to the surface and cancer does not like heat, it is something you may want to investigate also.

    I feel hopeful for you, thanks for keeping in touch,

    Carolen
  • Christine B.
    Christine B. Member Posts: 137
    #7
    carolenk said:

    Keep up the wishful thinking & it may come true
    Dear Linda

    I am glad that you are still looking into options. I don't know if you know anything about far infra-red therapy but it is something that I used as there were implants on my liver & spleen, diaphragm, etc..

    With far infra-red therapy, the heat penetrates 3 inches into the body. Since the liver is close to the surface and cancer does not like heat, it is something you may want to investigate also.

    I feel hopeful for you, thanks for keeping in touch,

    Carolen

    Good Thoughts
    Linda,
    I am going to say an extra prayer that your meeting with the doctor Wednesday will give hope to your wishful thinking. Your positive attitude attests to your strength.

    Chris
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #8
    Christine B. said:

    Good Thoughts
    Linda,
    I am going to say an extra prayer that your meeting with the doctor Wednesday will give hope to your wishful thinking. Your positive attitude attests to your strength.

    Chris

    I got approval today from my insurance for RADIOEMBOLISM!
    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance DID approve the radioembolism for me liver mets! I just got the good news today (so much for Friday-the-13th! HA!) The radiation interventionist who will do the procedure is leaving for vacation in a week, but I lucked into a cancellation and they are getting me in for the preliminary 'mapping' this Thursday! There is a chance that th emapping will show shunts to my lungs that are too large to be plugged, and then this little adventure will come to an abrupt halt.

    But if the 'mapping' proves I am an anatomical candidate for this procedure, I am definitely going for it as soon as the doctor returns from vacation in early June. The fact that some insurances will approve this for gynecologic cancers, when it is currently FDA-approved only for liver cancer and metastic colon cancer, is GOOD NEWS for all of us, as it provides another option for chemo-refractory women with gynecologic cancers and liver mets. I will only be the 2nd woman with a gynecologis cancer to get this at the hospital where I go (the 1st had cervical cancer & was just a couple months ago). I am happy to be a guinea pig for this promising new treatment option, and hope it all plays out for me! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you updated.
  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #9
    lindaprocopio said:

    I got approval today from my insurance for RADIOEMBOLISM!
    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance DID approve the radioembolism for me liver mets! I just got the good news today (so much for Friday-the-13th! HA!) The radiation interventionist who will do the procedure is leaving for vacation in a week, but I lucked into a cancellation and they are getting me in for the preliminary 'mapping' this Thursday! There is a chance that th emapping will show shunts to my lungs that are too large to be plugged, and then this little adventure will come to an abrupt halt.

    But if the 'mapping' proves I am an anatomical candidate for this procedure, I am definitely going for it as soon as the doctor returns from vacation in early June. The fact that some insurances will approve this for gynecologic cancers, when it is currently FDA-approved only for liver cancer and metastic colon cancer, is GOOD NEWS for all of us, as it provides another option for chemo-refractory women with gynecologic cancers and liver mets. I will only be the 2nd woman with a gynecologis cancer to get this at the hospital where I go (the 1st had cervical cancer & was just a couple months ago). I am happy to be a guinea pig for this promising new treatment option, and hope it all plays out for me! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you updated.

    you are in my prayers dear girl
    I am very glad your insurance co. will cover this , but why did it take so long?? Wishing you the very best and zap those ca. cell out of the park...val
  • djinco
    djinco Member Posts: 87
    #10
    lindaprocopio said:

    I got approval today from my insurance for RADIOEMBOLISM!
    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance DID approve the radioembolism for me liver mets! I just got the good news today (so much for Friday-the-13th! HA!) The radiation interventionist who will do the procedure is leaving for vacation in a week, but I lucked into a cancellation and they are getting me in for the preliminary 'mapping' this Thursday! There is a chance that th emapping will show shunts to my lungs that are too large to be plugged, and then this little adventure will come to an abrupt halt.

    But if the 'mapping' proves I am an anatomical candidate for this procedure, I am definitely going for it as soon as the doctor returns from vacation in early June. The fact that some insurances will approve this for gynecologic cancers, when it is currently FDA-approved only for liver cancer and metastic colon cancer, is GOOD NEWS for all of us, as it provides another option for chemo-refractory women with gynecologic cancers and liver mets. I will only be the 2nd woman with a gynecologis cancer to get this at the hospital where I go (the 1st had cervical cancer & was just a couple months ago). I am happy to be a guinea pig for this promising new treatment option, and hope it all plays out for me! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you updated.

    Will be praying for you.
    You better believe I'll be praying for you to have good news and healing. God Bless You.
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #11
    djinco said:

    Will be praying for you.
    You better believe I'll be praying for you to have good news and healing. God Bless You.

    Whooohoooo!
    I am hoping the best for you Linda!

    (((HUGS)))

    LQ
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #12
    lindaprocopio said:

    I got approval today from my insurance for RADIOEMBOLISM!
    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance DID approve the radioembolism for me liver mets! I just got the good news today (so much for Friday-the-13th! HA!) The radiation interventionist who will do the procedure is leaving for vacation in a week, but I lucked into a cancellation and they are getting me in for the preliminary 'mapping' this Thursday! There is a chance that th emapping will show shunts to my lungs that are too large to be plugged, and then this little adventure will come to an abrupt halt.

    But if the 'mapping' proves I am an anatomical candidate for this procedure, I am definitely going for it as soon as the doctor returns from vacation in early June. The fact that some insurances will approve this for gynecologic cancers, when it is currently FDA-approved only for liver cancer and metastic colon cancer, is GOOD NEWS for all of us, as it provides another option for chemo-refractory women with gynecologic cancers and liver mets. I will only be the 2nd woman with a gynecologis cancer to get this at the hospital where I go (the 1st had cervical cancer & was just a couple months ago). I am happy to be a guinea pig for this promising new treatment option, and hope it all plays out for me! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you updated.

    This is GOOD NEWS!
    Dear Linda

    I'm keeping you in my prayers. I hope it all works out for you.

    Carolen
  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #13
    Great News !
    This is so exciting for you I wish you luck for the best possible outcome.
    Colleen
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #14
    lindaprocopio said:

    I got approval today from my insurance for RADIOEMBOLISM!
    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance DID approve the radioembolism for me liver mets! I just got the good news today (so much for Friday-the-13th! HA!) The radiation interventionist who will do the procedure is leaving for vacation in a week, but I lucked into a cancellation and they are getting me in for the preliminary 'mapping' this Thursday! There is a chance that th emapping will show shunts to my lungs that are too large to be plugged, and then this little adventure will come to an abrupt halt.

    But if the 'mapping' proves I am an anatomical candidate for this procedure, I am definitely going for it as soon as the doctor returns from vacation in early June. The fact that some insurances will approve this for gynecologic cancers, when it is currently FDA-approved only for liver cancer and metastic colon cancer, is GOOD NEWS for all of us, as it provides another option for chemo-refractory women with gynecologic cancers and liver mets. I will only be the 2nd woman with a gynecologis cancer to get this at the hospital where I go (the 1st had cervical cancer & was just a couple months ago). I am happy to be a guinea pig for this promising new treatment option, and hope it all plays out for me! Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you updated.

    This is great news,
    and you are amazing! I knew if anyone could get this process going, it would be YOU. Praying the mapping all goes smoothly.
    Hugs,
    kathleen
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #15
    Cafewoman53 said:

    Great News !
    This is so exciting for you I wish you luck for the best possible outcome.
    Colleen

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    #16
    lindaprocopio said:

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.

    So happy to hear from you
    Linda, I thought about you all day yesterday. I am so glad to hear from you and that you are home. This is going to work. I just know it is.

    Sending you the biggest HUG I have.

    Linda
  • eward
    eward Member Posts: 210
    #17
    lindaprocopio said:

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.

    wow
    this sounds amazing. What a great description you provided of the experience! I am glad today is a little better and hope you don't feel crappy for long. The best of wishes are coming your way!!!
    xoxo
    Eileen
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #18
    lindaprocopio said:

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.

    You are one tough trooper!
    WOW.. sounds like something from Star Wars. I hope you're starting to feel better and I'm excited for you too.
    (((EXTRA BIG HUGS))) Maria
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #19
    Mwee said:

    You are one tough trooper!
    WOW.. sounds like something from Star Wars. I hope you're starting to feel better and I'm excited for you too.
    (((EXTRA BIG HUGS))) Maria

    Wow!
    Linda: I am very impressed by the procedure you just endured! How long must you be isolated?

    I think it is very important to keep drinking whatever stays down, possibly ginger tea (hot or cold) would be helpful in small frequent amounts. Walking sounds good, too. I was on a 4 hour flight recently and it really did my body in...I can't imagine having to be still for as long as you did.

    Just in case you didn't know this: the liver really appreciates it when you eat beets...so maybe sneak some into your salad or whatever if you don't mind eating beets--just don't freak out if your urine comes out red.

    (((HUGS for a very brave Linda)))

    LQ
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #20
    lindaprocopio said:

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.

    Gives a whole new meaning to
    Gives a whole new meaning to the term "glowing with good health", doesn't it?

    I hope this dramatic new treatment is the silver bullet and those liver mets are zapped for good,

    Carlene
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    #21
    lindaprocopio said:

    I had radioembolism of the right side of my liver yesterday.
    What a long day! I was at the hospital from 8 to 8 to have the Sir-Spheres treatment to the right side of my liver. We had to wait for the Sir-Spheres to come in from Boston, and then for them to prep the room like a Haz-Mat area, so I wasn’t in the operating room until noon. (The room last to be prepped with a dispobable floor and the door sealed and once the radioactivity enters the room, no one can leave until the end when everyone had to dispose oif their booties and gowns and be geiger-countered. The surgeon was in a plastic bubble during the treeatment. It was fascinating to be awake for the procedure, but it did turn I into an endurance marathon with 3 hours in surgery and 4 hours in recovery, flat on my back and not allowed to raise my head or move my legs. My back was killing me from being still for so long It felt like when you make a too-ling road trip). I also got nauseated even during the surgery and had to have Zofran added, and later I threw up in recovery and pretty much had the dry heaves all the way home. I was too uncomfortable to sleep, and still throwing up the tea and water I was trying to get down. I think walking around last night really helped work the gas I was having because the back pain is gone and I am left with just tenderness in the area of my liver. I can see that I am on the mend already. TONS of new pills to take over the next 12 days, and I am radioactive and have to keep my distance from everyone.

    The radiation interventionist said he gave me the maximum dosage for my size and volume of cancer. I am soooo hoping this will work for me. I wonder how long I will feel crappy? I'm tired today but excited by the possibility of this treatment.

    Proactive
    This is really hopeful. I am glad that you are sharing your experience with all of us. It proves that only the patient is her own best advocate. Keep up the effort. (maybe after you recover from the radiation)

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