Help for final days

ljb
ljb Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Liver Cancer #1
Hi to all. I am very new to discussions so hope I don't ramble too much. My Dad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer - neuroendocrine tumors in the liver - some two years ago. He has had the standard treatments - chemo, radio - and also the newer ones Radiofrequency ablation, SIR-Spheres and only two weeks ago commenced the Cetuximab or Erbitux treatment. He is now in hospital with liver failure, unable to do anything except lie in bed and sleep. Occassionally he mumurs a few words which sometimes make sense and sometimes make no sense. Our only consolation is that he doesn't seem to know what is going on as if he did, he would be very upset. He has been such an independent and strong man all his life and has only just turned 65. Anyway, his oncologist is suggesting that giving him more dexamethasone may reduce the tumors a little and bring his mind back from the foggy place it now resides. Has anyone had any experience on dexamethasone in this situation ie. when the situation looks fairly grim. At this point, we don't know what to believe as all the previous treatments were supposed to have worked but none did. My heart goes out to all who are suffering through this devastating disease and I will have you all in my prayers. Thank you, Linda.

Comments

  • lester1846
    lester1846 Member Posts: 2
    #2
    Dear Linda, First of all my heart goes out to you just reading your message. I hope and pray the best for you and your family. I wish I had something more to say, but I too am new to this, as my mother was just diagnosed with secondary liver cancer.
    I see you mentioned several treatments, one being the RFA which was just recommended to us. You say it didn't work at all? I am curious about what happened, as it certainly could influence our decision.
    Again, my best to you.
    Clifford
  • Caren1
    Caren1 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    Dear Linda,
    I am so sorry to hear about your father. I, too, am going through this with my mother. She's had liver cancer for about two years (after battling 2 breast cancers and colon cancer, which metastasized to the liver, where we stand now). She already had the liver resection, removal of 30% of liver as well as gall bladder, appendix and large part of the colon. She already had chemotherapy and two radiofrequency ablations. The cancer keeps returning. Now the doctors want to try chemoembolization. She's 69 and wants to give up. I'm telling her not to give up, to keep taking the treatments. It's ultimately her decision, but in reading your message, I can't help but think your father must fight as much as possible. I hope he will take the dexamethasone and keep fighting. God bless you and your family.
    Caren
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    lester1846 said:

    Dear Linda, First of all my heart goes out to you just reading your message. I hope and pray the best for you and your family. I wish I had something more to say, but I too am new to this, as my mother was just diagnosed with secondary liver cancer.
    I see you mentioned several treatments, one being the RFA which was just recommended to us. You say it didn't work at all? I am curious about what happened, as it certainly could influence our decision.
    Again, my best to you.
    Clifford

    Greetings;
    Linda, I am in hopes that your pain is numbing as it has been a few months since your posting. I lost mom to liver cancer 4 months ago and it feels like yesterday.
    Clifford-FYI mom underwent 18 months of chemoembolization and then we were one of the first families in the country to experience therasphere. They were both successful at keeping moms 15 liver tumors at Bay. The cancer had originally mets to her spine and then ran rampid.
    The doctor in Michigan flew in with the Candadian team to perform Therasphere with Dr. Rilling in Milwaukee. I would be happy to discuss this further please let me know.
    Just to let you know that your family is in my thoughts and that you are not alone in this journey.Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.--Sandy
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #5
    Have you done research on combining several different approaches to combine effectiveness. Cancer Centers of America, UT Houston Anderson cancer center has info. National institute of health (NIH) will be the best resource I can suggest. If you don't know about this-you must get educated fast. My father, and father-in-law both died of cancer. fil-liver, dad-3 types of cancer. They wouldn't have listened to me even though I am a pharmacist. I'll keep trying. Iv'e been sick for so long, could have been avoided. Prayer if you believe. Let me know, Linda
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • charlesshivel
    charlesshivel Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Help with your father
    I'm a native American Indian living with liver cancer and was in a coma last year. Let me give you all of my heartfelt support during this difficult time. If I may give you some advice, talk to your father. You may not see any response, but he might still hear you anyway. Remember that he is your father and his love can also be felt through his spirit. Everyone who lives with this condition need loving support of our family and friends. We of the LaKota nation believe that we're related and we all have royal blood in us so please call or email me if you ever want to talk about it - I know it is very hard to go through this alone.

    Your friend and new brother, Charles Many Colors.

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