Chemoembolization: What to Expect

patsy1954
patsy1954 Member Posts: 85
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
My oncologist presented my case to the Liver Board at the hospital and they decided that I would be a good candidate for chemoembolization. I am meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday and was hoping that some of you would be willing to share your experience with this procdure. The oncology navigator told me that I would be in the hospital a couple fo days and would feel miserable for a couple of weeks because of the chemo. Is that true? I made it through 12 doses of Folfox without too much trouble, so I wonder if this is as bad, better or worse?

Pat

Comments

  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #2
    Chemoembolization
    If you know, can you explain exactly what this is and what they do. I have been doing some research and think I'm getting things a little mixed up between TheraSphires, SirSphires, RFA, HIPEC pumps and now embolization. Thanks - Tina
  • patsy1954
    patsy1954 Member Posts: 85
    #3
    geotina said:

    Chemoembolization
    If you know, can you explain exactly what this is and what they do. I have been doing some research and think I'm getting things a little mixed up between TheraSphires, SirSphires, RFA, HIPEC pumps and now embolization. Thanks - Tina

    First Mike, thanks for the
    First Mike, thanks for the info, you are a BIG help!! Tina, they explained to me that they go into the femeral artery (located in your groin) with a small catheter (tube) and thread it up to your hepatic artery (liver artery). Once they are there they inject chemo directly into the tumor. This is done in radiology. They said I would be in the hospital 24-48 hrs and could have side effects from the chemo and feel awful for a couple of weeks. I was diagnosed with a very large liver tumor in April, 9cm by 11cm, and the Folfox chemo reduced it by 50%, they tell me that this should help reduce it by another 50%. I am very excited about having this done!! Again, thank Mike for the info on your experience, it was helpful.

    Pat
  • mcsauder
    mcsauder Member Posts: 68
    #4
    geotina said:

    Chemoembolization
    If you know, can you explain exactly what this is and what they do. I have been doing some research and think I'm getting things a little mixed up between TheraSphires, SirSphires, RFA, HIPEC pumps and now embolization. Thanks - Tina

    Chemoembolization
    (RFA) Radiofrequency Ablation
    I had that done in Sep. 2009 I know what it is and how they do it but the one to ask is Phil (phillieg) he also went though it and he good answering questions
    Phil answer some Questions that I had on RFA
    I know nothing about HIPEC pumps

    Chemoembolization,
    It involves injecting chemotherapy directly into the blood vessels that feed the liver tumor.
    If you and your CTCA care team determine that chemoembolization is the proper treatment for you, a small catheter will be inserted through a needle (with X-ray guidance) into your femoral artery, located in your groin. The radiologist will then thread the catheter up through your aorta (the largest artery, located in your heart) and into the artery in your liver, which is the one that feeds the tumor.

    Chemotherapy, mixed with a microsphere is injected directly through the catheter into this artery and into the tumor. When blood flow in the artery stops due to the blockage from the microsphere, the catheter is then removed. This procedure provides a high concentration of chemotherapy into the tumor and provides, what is usually, a temporary cut off of the arterial blood supply to the tumor.

    There are many possible side effects from chemoembolization, since it involves both chemotherapy and the possible destruction of normal liver tissue as well as tumor. Most people experience some pain, fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. The overall risk of serious complication is related to your general underlying health, as well as the overall function of their liver
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #5
    patsy1954 said:

    First Mike, thanks for the
    First Mike, thanks for the info, you are a BIG help!! Tina, they explained to me that they go into the femeral artery (located in your groin) with a small catheter (tube) and thread it up to your hepatic artery (liver artery). Once they are there they inject chemo directly into the tumor. This is done in radiology. They said I would be in the hospital 24-48 hrs and could have side effects from the chemo and feel awful for a couple of weeks. I was diagnosed with a very large liver tumor in April, 9cm by 11cm, and the Folfox chemo reduced it by 50%, they tell me that this should help reduce it by another 50%. I am very excited about having this done!! Again, thank Mike for the info on your experience, it was helpful.

    Pat

    Thanks
    Thank you everyone for the explanation in English. I'm going to print this off. This sounds like someting I would like George to explore. So far, he has had an excellent response to chemo. He he did have very large tumor(s) in his liver. Thanks - Tina
  • mcsauder
    mcsauder Member Posts: 68
    #6
    Chemoembolization
    Hi Pat
    I had 3 Chemoembolization this year and it worked great for me
    I was only in the hospital for overnight there was one time I had pain bad after the Chemoembolization and they kipped me an extra day
    You know everybody is different but I would have it done if they would ask
    I know that I'm not that big of help but I hope that I help a little

    All the best Mike
  • ganders2
    ganders2 Member Posts: 13
    #7
    chemoembolization
    Hi Pat,
    I am also a candidate for this and have been researching it. I know tht pain and fever for a day or two after is normal, but I am wondering how long the extreme fatigue might last. I am thinking of having it done the second week in January and want to visit family in Florida on 1/31. I can't tell from what people say if it is likely to be better by then or not.
    Any thoughts from anyone on this?
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #8
    Chemoembolization
    I had two chemoembolization's. It was an overnight stay in the hospital for both. I had flu-like symptoms for about a week. The vomiting was pretty intense. I too went through 12 doses of Folfox without having to skip a treatment for any reason. I would recommend the procedure.

    Debbie
  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #9
    sladich said:

    Chemoembolization
    I had two chemoembolization's. It was an overnight stay in the hospital for both. I had flu-like symptoms for about a week. The vomiting was pretty intense. I too went through 12 doses of Folfox without having to skip a treatment for any reason. I would recommend the procedure.

    Debbie

    Embolization
    Has any had this done at Sloan???? Also is it done on multiable spots too???JULIE
  • patsy1954
    patsy1954 Member Posts: 85
    #10
    ganders2 said:

    chemoembolization
    Hi Pat,
    I am also a candidate for this and have been researching it. I know tht pain and fever for a day or two after is normal, but I am wondering how long the extreme fatigue might last. I am thinking of having it done the second week in January and want to visit family in Florida on 1/31. I can't tell from what people say if it is likely to be better by then or not.
    Any thoughts from anyone on this?

    chemoembolization
    I went for my usual avastin treatment today and it was put on hold since I see the surgeon tomorrow to schedule the embolization. I'm hoping to get more info from her and will pass it on. I want to get it done before the end of the month since I don't want to have to face the $3,000 out of pocket that my insurance charges. I hope I don't regret having it done around the holidays!

    Pat
  • Kerry S
    Kerry S Member Posts: 606 Member
    #11
    had it a year ago
    Pat,
    It is not bad. Like a walk in the park compaired to chemo/radiation. I felt like someone hit me with a very large hammer in my right shoulder. Like the heart puts pain in the left shoulder the liver put the pain in the right. I just stayed overnight. They did this to me after they had opened me up to cut the cancer out. When they got me open they did an OH s@#$ and just closed me back up. The only problem I had was that it caused a bleed below my stomach a month later. It works by killing the part of the liver that has the cancer. The liver then grows back very quickly. The doc told me he killed 1/2 of my liver.

    I showed NED in mid January and 3 CTs sense then. Just came in from cutting 1/4 cord of firewood for next winter. Cutting firewood is a great way to rebuild the body.
  • patsy1954
    patsy1954 Member Posts: 85
    #12
    Kerry S said:

    had it a year ago
    Pat,
    It is not bad. Like a walk in the park compaired to chemo/radiation. I felt like someone hit me with a very large hammer in my right shoulder. Like the heart puts pain in the left shoulder the liver put the pain in the right. I just stayed overnight. They did this to me after they had opened me up to cut the cancer out. When they got me open they did an OH s@#$ and just closed me back up. The only problem I had was that it caused a bleed below my stomach a month later. It works by killing the part of the liver that has the cancer. The liver then grows back very quickly. The doc told me he killed 1/2 of my liver.

    I showed NED in mid January and 3 CTs sense then. Just came in from cutting 1/4 cord of firewood for next winter. Cutting firewood is a great way to rebuild the body.

    Just What I Wanted to Hear
    Thanks a million, it's what I needed, positive feedback. I keep telling people that I am s stong old broad, and nothing will keep me down. It is really interesting to watch people's reaction when the see me, it's usually, "wow, you look great". I guess they want to see some thin, looking older than my age person. Well, chemo stinks and I made it through that, and can make it through this. Yuck, on the shoulder thing. I already have frozen shoulder in that arm, so the pain won't be fun. That's OK, I am all done Xmas shopping and wrapping. I'm ready if they say I can have the procedure sooner than later.

    Pat
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #13
    patsy1954 said:

    Just What I Wanted to Hear
    Thanks a million, it's what I needed, positive feedback. I keep telling people that I am s stong old broad, and nothing will keep me down. It is really interesting to watch people's reaction when the see me, it's usually, "wow, you look great". I guess they want to see some thin, looking older than my age person. Well, chemo stinks and I made it through that, and can make it through this. Yuck, on the shoulder thing. I already have frozen shoulder in that arm, so the pain won't be fun. That's OK, I am all done Xmas shopping and wrapping. I'm ready if they say I can have the procedure sooner than later.

    Pat

    Hi Pat!
    I've never had this done for me, but wanted to wish you luck in your pursuit with it. You have the right attitude, and are a strong woman, and you can do this, as me, you probably have a high tolerance for pain anyway, and can take what comes to you, it's there to help you, and sometimes, you have to get sicker to make you better ;) The sickness and pain will be temporary, and you can get through this, they have alot of things out there for pain, make sure you ask for the pain and pallitive team to help you, if what the doctor is doing isn't helping, they have special doctors to keep pain in control, not just the admitting doctor. I wish you alot of luck, and hope this helps you, you'll be in my prayers :)

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • patsy1954
    patsy1954 Member Posts: 85
    #14
    Shayenne said:

    Hi Pat!
    I've never had this done for me, but wanted to wish you luck in your pursuit with it. You have the right attitude, and are a strong woman, and you can do this, as me, you probably have a high tolerance for pain anyway, and can take what comes to you, it's there to help you, and sometimes, you have to get sicker to make you better ;) The sickness and pain will be temporary, and you can get through this, they have alot of things out there for pain, make sure you ask for the pain and pallitive team to help you, if what the doctor is doing isn't helping, they have special doctors to keep pain in control, not just the admitting doctor. I wish you alot of luck, and hope this helps you, you'll be in my prayers :)

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    Thanks!
    I really appreciate the words of encouragement and the prayers. I have become evreryone's cheerleader lately, because I do have inner strength. I have spoke to people undergoing surgery and chemo and have tried my hardest to encourage them. Every day is a blessing from God, so I take that blessing and make the best of it! I figure if I can make it through having half of my colon removed 2 days after being diagnosed I can make it through this procedure. I'll take your suggestion and inquire into a pain and palliative team, if my doc is a little too mild on the pain treatment. I have to say that post op they were great, even sent me back down to the recovery room to have my epidural replaced when it didn't seem to be working. I think that I do get listened too a little more closely because I have been a nurse for 34 yrs. Who would have thought that 25 yrs ago when I was an oncology nurse that somdeday I would be on the receiving end of therapy!

    Pat

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