Friend tested positive for liver cancer

Just to clarify... The spot would still be considered rectal cancer even though it is in his liver. As I said in my last post, I had the same scenario except my cancer originated in the colon rather than the rectum, so it can ultimately behave differently, but as far as the liver problem I was in the same situation he is in. It is not necessarily true that the Xeloda affected the spot on his liver or caused it to grow. My doctors explained to me that in my case the spot had been there all along but had been too small for them to see on a CT scan. It seemed to take off right after I finished my chemo, so maybe the 5-FU held it at bay for a little while, or maybe it didn't do a darn thing - I guess we'll never know. I had my liver resection done and then I had another round of chemo which included Camptosar and Xeloda...
If his resection is completely successful he could speak to the surgeon about the pros and cons of chemo afterwards. I guess they consider chemo to be insurance in a way. However, as I told you when I had my lung spots removed, I did not have chemo afterwards. The same doctor (surgical oncologist) recommended I have chemo after the liver operation, but said in the case of the lung operation that it did not improve my chances one way or the other. Knowing that I did not want chemo again - he did not recommend it. It may be a very different case w/ the liver. Perhaps since the liver has so much blood going into and out of it is why they suggested chemo following that one.
I hope I am not confusing you more....
So, is he speaking to the surgeon soon who will do the liver operation? I am a little confused about how he got such a good rectal surgeon but is now limited as far as who can perform his liver surgery. Can the rectal surgeon refer him to someone he feels is competent?
Another thing is that your friend has had symptoms and has felt sick. I was essentially asymptomatic, except for the chemo, but like I said, his rectal cancer was different from mine...so that might be why.
Just speak to the doctors about the pros and cons of chemo. I am sure they will recommend it. I don't feel comfortable saying whether he should have it or not - it is his decision. If he does not want it then he could take a more holistic approach...I would certainly consult a Naturopathic physician about it (N.D.)
I guess I would wait and find out what the biopsy of the liver resection say, whether there were clean margins and so on.
Good luck to you both,
Susan.

staceyp said:

Hi,

My husband had the liver resection first and started chemo 6 weeks later. The margins were clean, and even though he was NED, the doctor still recommended chemo.

As far as your friend's lack of insurance is concerned, I suggest you speak with the social service department at the hospital. They may be able to help him find more options. Good luck.

Hi Susan, we are going to see Dr. Curley next week for a follow-up. I'll tell him hello for you. HAHA!

Take care,
Stacey

Yeah, tell him I said "hi" and I'll see him on the first! Yea! Good luck with your appointment. I hope it's all good news.
-Susan.