help! liver mets growing-chemo not working!!

A Second Opinion
I'm so sorry that the current chemo isn't working. I highly recommend a second opinion, and inquire about clinical trials, as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom!


HUGS

Leesa

msfanciful said:

I would definitely get a
I would definitely get a second opinion.


Sharon

second opinion
i would get second also

worriedaboutmom said:

thanks
thanks for your advice ladies. I know there is probably not a whole lot to do for her because of the advanced stage of her cancer and also her massive stroke she had two months ago, but this is only her sixth chemo. There are a lot more to try and she wants to try!! He said we will know pretty quick if the doxil is working or not and if not, and he doesnt offer anything else, then onto to another doctor we will go! Does anyone have any suggestions as far as any other drugs to try? I am wondering about avastin if the doxil doesnt work.

Hello
Hello. I am sorry for the reason you are here and wish your mother well. I can't really answer your questions but I have done a bit of research on avastin. (My mother passed away from Stage IV uterine cancer last year) Avastin is a drug that shrinks the blood vessels supplying tumor and actually starves the tumor . At least that is what is hoped for. It's usually given in conjunction with other chemo drugs, not by itself and I do know what one of the possible side effects of Avastin, though rare, is stroke. With your mother's history, that might make them hesitant to try it. I don't think they consider Avastin a chemotherapy drug per se and from what I've read it's not given alone. Maybe the Doxil will work for her. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

worriedaboutmom said:

thank-you Cindy Bear for
thank-you Cindy Bear for your post! I am actually reading about doxil/avastin combination as we speak! I am going to call dr. in the morning to see if this is a possible treatment for my mom. She starts the doxil on wed. Thanks again for all the helpful posts!!

doxil
My mom started Doxil in April. We are hopeful that it is starting to work. Her CA125 was sky high at 3800 and has come down to 3200 so far. You might want to look into having your mom ice her hands, wrists, and possibly feet and ankles during infusion and for about a week after chemo. There is no conclusive evidence, but it may prevent the hand-foot syndrome that can happen with Doxil. Good luck and best wishes for a positive outcome.

worriedaboutmom said:

Hi Teal Warriors!
My mom had
Hi Teal Warriors!

My mom had her first doxil infusion today. The dr. only gave her a half of a normal dose and will give her other half in 4 weeks?? I questioned, said that he didn't know if she could handle the side effects. She has had VERY bad liver pain today. I stressed to him that we don't have time to mess around because this lady is getting sicker by the day! Avastin is a no go since she had a recent massive stroke )-: Is this it?? This is how it ends?? There is nothing else????

I wish I could offer
I wish I could offer something in the way of comfort or advice, but this is one of those times that words fail us. I cannot convey how terribly sorry I am to hear of this turn of events. I will not sugar coat it....liver mets are bad news. Doxil, as far as I have read, does not have a lot of side effects, but your mom is already very, very fragile. Doctors will often give "light" chemo to shrink tumors and preserve maximum quality of life.

Give the Doxil a chance and if it looks like it isn't going to work, you might have to start thinking in terms of comfort and palliative care.

I am so, so sorry. I read your words and wonder if they are destined to be written someday by my own children. May God bless you with the strength to see this thing through.

Carlene

worriedaboutmom said:

Hi Teal Warriors!
My mom had
Hi Teal Warriors!

My mom had her first doxil infusion today. The dr. only gave her a half of a normal dose and will give her other half in 4 weeks?? I questioned, said that he didn't know if she could handle the side effects. She has had VERY bad liver pain today. I stressed to him that we don't have time to mess around because this lady is getting sicker by the day! Avastin is a no go since she had a recent massive stroke )-: Is this it?? This is how it ends?? There is nothing else????

there is more to come
Your mother may not be able to take any more treatment. Her doctors can decide that better than you can, sweetie. They are committed to whatever is the best course of action for your mother.

There may be nothing else to fight with, the war may be over, but this is not how it ends. This is how it proceeds. Your mother is still very much here, and it is up to you to recognize that. Remind her that it is not a personal failure to be sick. It's natural to die, everybody does it. Let her talk about it when she wants, but manage your own anger. You don't want her to feel guilty for letting you down.

A wise general knows when to quit. So should their first lieutenant.

worriedaboutmom said:

update on my mama
Hi Ladies. I just wanted to thank you all so much for all of your advice and kind words. My mom is now in Hospice, as her kidneys developed blockages and severe infection. Her poor body is just worn out from the long and courageous fight. She is now unconscious and surrounded by all of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. We are here with her as she gets ready to be with jesus.

Thank you all again and god bless you all! I will never forget you all for the love and kindness you have shown.

Love Becky

God bless your mom and all
God bless your mom and all your family as you face this difficult time. I hope your mom finds the peace she so richly deserves after her courageous fight.

worriedaboutmom said:

update on my mama
Hi Ladies. I just wanted to thank you all so much for all of your advice and kind words. My mom is now in Hospice, as her kidneys developed blockages and severe infection. Her poor body is just worn out from the long and courageous fight. She is now unconscious and surrounded by all of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. We are here with her as she gets ready to be with jesus.

Thank you all again and god bless you all! I will never forget you all for the love and kindness you have shown.

Love Becky

God's blessings
Dear Becky, god's blessings back at you. I don't post as often anymore but do come and read the board and pray for everyone. You, your mom and family continue to be in my prayers. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

Hello,
I am so sorry to hear
Hello,

I am so sorry to hear things did not turn around as we'd hoped for your mother.

I pray that you and your family have peace through this very difficult time and please know that God always has a plan, although for us we never know what it may be.

Rest assure and pray for peace.





Love,

Sharon