What to expect in the last stages

mjones2108 said:

I have reached stage iv-a in my liver cancer as it has metastisized to my lymphs, that is as of a little over 2 mos. ago. I have multiple tumors in my liver that are unresectable, they are too large, and they are also invading my portal vein causing a tumor thrombus. I found out this information approximately 8 mos. ago and was not expected to live this long, especially without treatment. Since I have decided on my own to not take the chemo, nexavar, which is the current standard, some doctors disagree, and yet some agree with my decision. Also, I am trying not to take pain medications unless absolutely necessary, though I have them available. I can assure you that without pain control, sometimes it is very painful, but the pain medications cause constipation which increases my abdominal pain, even with stool softeners. I have intense pain in my right shoulder and the right side of my neck, as well as my abdomen. I have tried some alternative therapies to try and alleviate some of my symptoms, but I don't feel that I am winning this war. I am slowing going downhill. The pain attacks ended after a few days at first, now they last longer and come more often. Due to the tumor thrombus, it is possible that I may die suddenly due to esophogeal bleeding from portal hypertension caused by the blockage in the portal vein. I may also die suddenly if a tumor ruptures, if the thrombus ruptures, or if the capsule of the liver ruptures from internal pressure. These first methods of death would be due to loss of blood and are preferable to the others as I would probably just get tired and go to sleep. If it is esophogeal varices, I could spit-up blood. The other causes of sudden death is if part of the clot breaks loose and goes to my heart, my brain, or my lung. These could cause a heart attack, a stroke, or an embolism. If I am hospitalized at the time one of these things occurs, it is possible that I may be kept alive a while longer, but it is doubtful that I would survive even in a hospital setting. These first sudden deaths are only seen in patients with the tumor thrombus (well, except for the capsule of the liver rupturing). The other method, due to liver failure, is much slower, and less pretty. So far, I have not been affected by the hepatic encephalopathy I have heard about. I wonder if that may be more of a symptom of the treatment with chemo as the chemo is hard on the liver. Anyway, when the liver fails in its functioning, it no longer cleans impurities out of the blood. This causes a brain fog, an inability to think clearly, confusion, and possibly, coma. So far I have no apparent signs of liver failure, which include jaundice (yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale stools, etc.), ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen causing the abdomen to swell to very large proportions. The longer I survive without dying from the thrombus, the more likely it will be for me to go into full liver failure. My current prognosis is about 3 mos., but there is no way to tell for sure. It is, however, fatal in most cases and I am almost certain it will be in mine. The tumors in my liver are causing me to feel excessively full due to pressure on my other internal organs, and I am only able to eat small meals currently. Larger meals cause me a great deal of pain. The only symptom of liver failure I may have is generalized pain, the doctor calls it arthralgia/myalgia, joint and tissue pain. This is caused by the build-up of toxins in my blood. It is the normal function of the liver to cleanse these toxins from the body for eimination. Since the tumor is still growing, I am losing weight, I have lost approximately 65 lbs. I have been trying to eat healthy foods such as organic fruits and vegtables in order to keep myself as healthy as possible. I expect if I advance to the final stages in the next few months I will be in a lot more pain, my stomach will swell and my mind will no longer be clear. There is nothing modern medicine can offer but a short extension of my life, while being subjected to the side-effects of chemo. I will allow more pain medicines when I need them, but so far I have been able to stand it most of the time. When I can't, I take small amounts so I don't build-up a tolerance to the pain meds. That way it will work when I truly need it. Some people think I'm brave, some people think I'm stupid. However, I choose to go out on my own terms. I don't want to be a guinea pig or be recovering from surgical procedures the last few days of my life. Some days I feel better and can actually go out and do things, though these days are becoming fewer and farther between. I choose to die of cancer, not chemo or complications from surgery. That is my decision, and I will live or die with it. Sometimes I cry-out in pain, sometime I just cry. Yes, it really hurts bad, sometimes I am doubled-over and cannot get comfortable. But, I am still functioning and I will do this as long as I can. I lost my wife of twenty-six years to ALS almost two years ago. I didn't even know while I was taking care of her that this cancer was probably already growing inside me. The doctors I went to didn't find anything, one even referred me to a psychologist. I guess he was wrong. I wish anyone affected by this terrible disease the strength to deal with all the facets of it. God bless you. m.jones

hi
I wanted to see how you were making out. I am sorry for what is happening to you. My mom has advance primary liver cancer and I wanted to know if there is something they are doing for you that they arent doing for her. Hope all is well with you.

thesunlady said:

Liver Cancer
I was diagnoised in 2006 with liver cancer. I did the same thing as ur mom. Drs. were amazed with no explanation & had already told family I would not make it 24 hrs. but I woke up the next morning ready to eat! They said I need Liver transplant to survive, went for testing & prayed so hard for The Lord to let me know if it was right decission he let me no it was not after they made 3 bad mistakes I then spent alot of time in & out of hosptals, hospice & back to hospital. I had a chance to go to Dallas Methodist liver oncology unit for transplant! Upon arrival I had 3 tumors on liver they started me on chemo (Naxavar)& did 2 chemo implants into my liver!! I got so sick after 6 mos. chemo MRI showed 9 lrg tumors only 10% of liver working said to get things in order might make it 30 days. My neighbor (2weeks later) ran into a lady who had cured herself of terminal lung cancer (alernatively)& she asked her if she could help me. The answer was YES & she did help me!! Learn what I had to do & those 9 tumors turned to 1- 2cm tumor in a month!! Needless to say I am still here with my liver & healthy as can be I also am 58!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!! MDs do not know everything!!

Your treatment
To the Sunlady: My mother was just diagnosed with liver cancer and your post has given me hope. I am very interested in learning what you did and who you saw. Please email me at pvc910@aol.com and thank you for your post.

Mbmissy27 said:

Ascites

Hi my name is Melissa, my  dad has liver cancer and was diagnosed about two and a half years ago with no complications to date up until two weeks ago,  he has been getting chemo emobilization treatments that seemed to be delaying progressing then My fears were confirmed...my dad is filling up with fluid in his abdomen and they have to start doing paracentisis to drain the fluid. His cancer got worse but he is still eligible for another chemo eMobilization treatment, so there scheduling another one of those too real soon! I'm foggy now because of the shock of actually seeing visually his cancer on the outside! I see you  said you are getting ascites now as is my dad and my question to you is how have things changed since it started? He is about to get his first tap and I'm nervous now! How long can someone continue when the fluid starts accumilating? I'm sorry for you as well, I know there are no easy words to say! I hope you are doing well and would be willing to share with me some insight! 

 

Sincerely, a VERY concerned daughter! Thankyou 

Dear Melissa,
I am so sorry

Dear Melissa,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad.  My husband had done once two months ago for pracentisis procedure but after his new chemo he does not need to do it anymore.  I asked my doctor how oftern he needed to do it and she said every person is different.  My Primary doctor suggested me not to eat too much salt (sodium) and drink more water.

My husband has been improved his health.  Eat more, sleep well and he gains weights.  I hope your dad is doing well after the procedure.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Be strong and positive.

Regards,

Shinmin1500

 

rsc said:

Liver cancer

this is to thesunlady i hope you  respond to this My wife is 45 stage IV-a and i am interested in the treatments you mentioned please email me rscole2@sbcglobal.net thanks

Sunlady

I would like to know what you did to help cure your disease.  My mother was dx with HCC mets to bone 11-12.  She will start Nexavar this monday.  She is also taking flex seed oil and milk thistle.  She had radiation to help her back pain, now suffering from severe heartburn, nausea.  Not eating, has been receiving fluids about 3 times weekly to help hydrate her.  Here is my email address, vmdavis@live.com.  Any information you could give me, I would be greatly thankful for. 

thesunlady said:

Liver Cancer
I was diagnoised in 2006 with liver cancer. I did the same thing as ur mom. Drs. were amazed with no explanation & had already told family I would not make it 24 hrs. but I woke up the next morning ready to eat! They said I need Liver transplant to survive, went for testing & prayed so hard for The Lord to let me know if it was right decission he let me no it was not after they made 3 bad mistakes I then spent alot of time in & out of hosptals, hospice & back to hospital. I had a chance to go to Dallas Methodist liver oncology unit for transplant! Upon arrival I had 3 tumors on liver they started me on chemo (Naxavar)& did 2 chemo implants into my liver!! I got so sick after 6 mos. chemo MRI showed 9 lrg tumors only 10% of liver working said to get things in order might make it 30 days. My neighbor (2weeks later) ran into a lady who had cured herself of terminal lung cancer (alernatively)& she asked her if she could help me. The answer was YES & she did help me!! Learn what I had to do & those 9 tumors turned to 1- 2cm tumor in a month!! Needless to say I am still here with my liver & healthy as can be I also am 58!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!! MDs do not know everything!!

Liver Cancer Survivor

Hello. Thanks for your post. I am treating my stage 4 liver cancer with pancreatic enzymes and diet. Have about 10 to 20% of liver left. I am not certain if this procedure is working, been on it for about 5 months. This is the regimine from Dr Kelly who wrote "one answer to cancer".

 

Please share with me what has worked for you. I have  11 cm tumors on my liver, but doing quite well.

56 Year old Male, diagnoed in June 2012.

Thank you Sun Lady.

Kurt

mjones2108 said:

I have reached stage iv-a in my liver cancer as it has metastisized to my lymphs, that is as of a little over 2 mos. ago. I have multiple tumors in my liver that are unresectable, they are too large, and they are also invading my portal vein causing a tumor thrombus. I found out this information approximately 8 mos. ago and was not expected to live this long, especially without treatment. Since I have decided on my own to not take the chemo, nexavar, which is the current standard, some doctors disagree, and yet some agree with my decision. Also, I am trying not to take pain medications unless absolutely necessary, though I have them available. I can assure you that without pain control, sometimes it is very painful, but the pain medications cause constipation which increases my abdominal pain, even with stool softeners. I have intense pain in my right shoulder and the right side of my neck, as well as my abdomen. I have tried some alternative therapies to try and alleviate some of my symptoms, but I don't feel that I am winning this war. I am slowing going downhill. The pain attacks ended after a few days at first, now they last longer and come more often. Due to the tumor thrombus, it is possible that I may die suddenly due to esophogeal bleeding from portal hypertension caused by the blockage in the portal vein. I may also die suddenly if a tumor ruptures, if the thrombus ruptures, or if the capsule of the liver ruptures from internal pressure. These first methods of death would be due to loss of blood and are preferable to the others as I would probably just get tired and go to sleep. If it is esophogeal varices, I could spit-up blood. The other causes of sudden death is if part of the clot breaks loose and goes to my heart, my brain, or my lung. These could cause a heart attack, a stroke, or an embolism. If I am hospitalized at the time one of these things occurs, it is possible that I may be kept alive a while longer, but it is doubtful that I would survive even in a hospital setting. These first sudden deaths are only seen in patients with the tumor thrombus (well, except for the capsule of the liver rupturing). The other method, due to liver failure, is much slower, and less pretty. So far, I have not been affected by the hepatic encephalopathy I have heard about. I wonder if that may be more of a symptom of the treatment with chemo as the chemo is hard on the liver. Anyway, when the liver fails in its functioning, it no longer cleans impurities out of the blood. This causes a brain fog, an inability to think clearly, confusion, and possibly, coma. So far I have no apparent signs of liver failure, which include jaundice (yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale stools, etc.), ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen causing the abdomen to swell to very large proportions. The longer I survive without dying from the thrombus, the more likely it will be for me to go into full liver failure. My current prognosis is about 3 mos., but there is no way to tell for sure. It is, however, fatal in most cases and I am almost certain it will be in mine. The tumors in my liver are causing me to feel excessively full due to pressure on my other internal organs, and I am only able to eat small meals currently. Larger meals cause me a great deal of pain. The only symptom of liver failure I may have is generalized pain, the doctor calls it arthralgia/myalgia, joint and tissue pain. This is caused by the build-up of toxins in my blood. It is the normal function of the liver to cleanse these toxins from the body for eimination. Since the tumor is still growing, I am losing weight, I have lost approximately 65 lbs. I have been trying to eat healthy foods such as organic fruits and vegtables in order to keep myself as healthy as possible. I expect if I advance to the final stages in the next few months I will be in a lot more pain, my stomach will swell and my mind will no longer be clear. There is nothing modern medicine can offer but a short extension of my life, while being subjected to the side-effects of chemo. I will allow more pain medicines when I need them, but so far I have been able to stand it most of the time. When I can't, I take small amounts so I don't build-up a tolerance to the pain meds. That way it will work when I truly need it. Some people think I'm brave, some people think I'm stupid. However, I choose to go out on my own terms. I don't want to be a guinea pig or be recovering from surgical procedures the last few days of my life. Some days I feel better and can actually go out and do things, though these days are becoming fewer and farther between. I choose to die of cancer, not chemo or complications from surgery. That is my decision, and I will live or die with it. Sometimes I cry-out in pain, sometime I just cry. Yes, it really hurts bad, sometimes I am doubled-over and cannot get comfortable. But, I am still functioning and I will do this as long as I can. I lost my wife of twenty-six years to ALS almost two years ago. I didn't even know while I was taking care of her that this cancer was probably already growing inside me. The doctors I went to didn't find anything, one even referred me to a psychologist. I guess he was wrong. I wish anyone affected by this terrible disease the strength to deal with all the facets of it. God bless you. m.jones

Liver Cancer, last stages

Thank you for what you wrote. My Mom is going through the things that you wrote about, and it helps me to understand how she feels so that I can support her through it all. She is 91 and has inoperable liver cancer. I want to make her as loved and comfortable as possible as she confronts the coming stages.

thesunlady said:

Liver Cancer
I was diagnoised in 2006 with liver cancer. I did the same thing as ur mom. Drs. were amazed with no explanation & had already told family I would not make it 24 hrs. but I woke up the next morning ready to eat! They said I need Liver transplant to survive, went for testing & prayed so hard for The Lord to let me know if it was right decission he let me no it was not after they made 3 bad mistakes I then spent alot of time in & out of hosptals, hospice & back to hospital. I had a chance to go to Dallas Methodist liver oncology unit for transplant! Upon arrival I had 3 tumors on liver they started me on chemo (Naxavar)& did 2 chemo implants into my liver!! I got so sick after 6 mos. chemo MRI showed 9 lrg tumors only 10% of liver working said to get things in order might make it 30 days. My neighbor (2weeks later) ran into a lady who had cured herself of terminal lung cancer (alernatively)& she asked her if she could help me. The answer was YES & she did help me!! Learn what I had to do & those 9 tumors turned to 1- 2cm tumor in a month!! Needless to say I am still here with my liver & healthy as can be I also am 58!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!! MDs do not know everything!!

please advise

My mom was recently diagnosed with liver cancer (Jan 2013) HCC and had had a surgery where two thirds of her liver were removed. She found out 3 days ago that the whole process started again. She has multiple tumours up to 3 cm in her part of the liver. In addition she has hepatitus C and liver cirrocis. Her alpha feta protein is about 700 (7 is the norm) and her blood tests are off the charts. She lives in Eastern Europe where medical care is awful and cancer patients are treated like they are not people any more.

Do you have any tips, feedback, recommendations....

Thanks

thesunlady said:

Liver Cancer
I was diagnoised in 2006 with liver cancer. I did the same thing as ur mom. Drs. were amazed with no explanation & had already told family I would not make it 24 hrs. but I woke up the next morning ready to eat! They said I need Liver transplant to survive, went for testing & prayed so hard for The Lord to let me know if it was right decission he let me no it was not after they made 3 bad mistakes I then spent alot of time in & out of hosptals, hospice & back to hospital. I had a chance to go to Dallas Methodist liver oncology unit for transplant! Upon arrival I had 3 tumors on liver they started me on chemo (Naxavar)& did 2 chemo implants into my liver!! I got so sick after 6 mos. chemo MRI showed 9 lrg tumors only 10% of liver working said to get things in order might make it 30 days. My neighbor (2weeks later) ran into a lady who had cured herself of terminal lung cancer (alernatively)& she asked her if she could help me. The answer was YES & she did help me!! Learn what I had to do & those 9 tumors turned to 1- 2cm tumor in a month!! Needless to say I am still here with my liver & healthy as can be I also am 58!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!! MDs do not know everything!!

Liver Cancer Treatment

My father was diagnosed last March with liver cancer as a result of his cirrhosis.  I see you comments about your fight agains liver cancer and your testimony that you were able to overcome this disease.  Please share your experience so that I can help my father, my email address is renriqueamaya@gmail.com.

I look forward to hear back from you.

Regards,

Enrique.

 

mjones2108 said:

I have reached stage iv-a in my liver cancer as it has metastisized to my lymphs, that is as of a little over 2 mos. ago. I have multiple tumors in my liver that are unresectable, they are too large, and they are also invading my portal vein causing a tumor thrombus. I found out this information approximately 8 mos. ago and was not expected to live this long, especially without treatment. Since I have decided on my own to not take the chemo, nexavar, which is the current standard, some doctors disagree, and yet some agree with my decision. Also, I am trying not to take pain medications unless absolutely necessary, though I have them available. I can assure you that without pain control, sometimes it is very painful, but the pain medications cause constipation which increases my abdominal pain, even with stool softeners. I have intense pain in my right shoulder and the right side of my neck, as well as my abdomen. I have tried some alternative therapies to try and alleviate some of my symptoms, but I don't feel that I am winning this war. I am slowing going downhill. The pain attacks ended after a few days at first, now they last longer and come more often. Due to the tumor thrombus, it is possible that I may die suddenly due to esophogeal bleeding from portal hypertension caused by the blockage in the portal vein. I may also die suddenly if a tumor ruptures, if the thrombus ruptures, or if the capsule of the liver ruptures from internal pressure. These first methods of death would be due to loss of blood and are preferable to the others as I would probably just get tired and go to sleep. If it is esophogeal varices, I could spit-up blood. The other causes of sudden death is if part of the clot breaks loose and goes to my heart, my brain, or my lung. These could cause a heart attack, a stroke, or an embolism. If I am hospitalized at the time one of these things occurs, it is possible that I may be kept alive a while longer, but it is doubtful that I would survive even in a hospital setting. These first sudden deaths are only seen in patients with the tumor thrombus (well, except for the capsule of the liver rupturing). The other method, due to liver failure, is much slower, and less pretty. So far, I have not been affected by the hepatic encephalopathy I have heard about. I wonder if that may be more of a symptom of the treatment with chemo as the chemo is hard on the liver. Anyway, when the liver fails in its functioning, it no longer cleans impurities out of the blood. This causes a brain fog, an inability to think clearly, confusion, and possibly, coma. So far I have no apparent signs of liver failure, which include jaundice (yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale stools, etc.), ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen causing the abdomen to swell to very large proportions. The longer I survive without dying from the thrombus, the more likely it will be for me to go into full liver failure. My current prognosis is about 3 mos., but there is no way to tell for sure. It is, however, fatal in most cases and I am almost certain it will be in mine. The tumors in my liver are causing me to feel excessively full due to pressure on my other internal organs, and I am only able to eat small meals currently. Larger meals cause me a great deal of pain. The only symptom of liver failure I may have is generalized pain, the doctor calls it arthralgia/myalgia, joint and tissue pain. This is caused by the build-up of toxins in my blood. It is the normal function of the liver to cleanse these toxins from the body for eimination. Since the tumor is still growing, I am losing weight, I have lost approximately 65 lbs. I have been trying to eat healthy foods such as organic fruits and vegtables in order to keep myself as healthy as possible. I expect if I advance to the final stages in the next few months I will be in a lot more pain, my stomach will swell and my mind will no longer be clear. There is nothing modern medicine can offer but a short extension of my life, while being subjected to the side-effects of chemo. I will allow more pain medicines when I need them, but so far I have been able to stand it most of the time. When I can't, I take small amounts so I don't build-up a tolerance to the pain meds. That way it will work when I truly need it. Some people think I'm brave, some people think I'm stupid. However, I choose to go out on my own terms. I don't want to be a guinea pig or be recovering from surgical procedures the last few days of my life. Some days I feel better and can actually go out and do things, though these days are becoming fewer and farther between. I choose to die of cancer, not chemo or complications from surgery. That is my decision, and I will live or die with it. Sometimes I cry-out in pain, sometime I just cry. Yes, it really hurts bad, sometimes I am doubled-over and cannot get comfortable. But, I am still functioning and I will do this as long as I can. I lost my wife of twenty-six years to ALS almost two years ago. I didn't even know while I was taking care of her that this cancer was probably already growing inside me. The doctors I went to didn't find anything, one even referred me to a psychologist. I guess he was wrong. I wish anyone affected by this terrible disease the strength to deal with all the facets of it. God bless you. m.jones

My mom with liver cancer stage 4 waiting to die

Hi M.Jones, my mother is going through the same process as you, but her case is Liver cancer spreaded to the lungs. But the final letter from the doctor is less than 3months to live.  She's extremely n pain and tired and scared. She has ascites. She goes to the hospital 2-3x a week for paracentesis.  She has not turned jaundice yet, but she is swelling up.  Her digestion is poor. she takes morphine tablets as needed.  Her pain fluctuates from good to bad within hours.  She's hoping to die in her sleep.  

My mother is not a smoker or drinker. She is 62 and been battling cancer for 5 yrs. 

cancer treatment center of America (tulsa,ok) helped her for 1 yr, they are very good. 

I wish you better days!! 

 

Angie Pham

thesunlady said:

Liver Cancer
I was diagnoised in 2006 with liver cancer. I did the same thing as ur mom. Drs. were amazed with no explanation & had already told family I would not make it 24 hrs. but I woke up the next morning ready to eat! They said I need Liver transplant to survive, went for testing & prayed so hard for The Lord to let me know if it was right decission he let me no it was not after they made 3 bad mistakes I then spent alot of time in & out of hosptals, hospice & back to hospital. I had a chance to go to Dallas Methodist liver oncology unit for transplant! Upon arrival I had 3 tumors on liver they started me on chemo (Naxavar)& did 2 chemo implants into my liver!! I got so sick after 6 mos. chemo MRI showed 9 lrg tumors only 10% of liver working said to get things in order might make it 30 days. My neighbor (2weeks later) ran into a lady who had cured herself of terminal lung cancer (alernatively)& she asked her if she could help me. The answer was YES & she did help me!! Learn what I had to do & those 9 tumors turned to 1- 2cm tumor in a month!! Needless to say I am still here with my liver & healthy as can be I also am 58!! DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!! MDs do not know everything!!

Help

Hi Sun lady,

 

I was wondering if you could please share your secret. My dad has stage 4 liver cancer and I would like him to try ANYTHING that helps while he still has the strength. PLEASE HELP. He is 62 and will start radiation at the end of this month. He has a small appetite but tries to eat, he like to walk around the track but moves extremely slow at doing everything from a lack of energy. He is trying to sleep a lot but me and my mom keep him busy with reading and moving around. PLease help.....