chemo option question

Ruthmomto4
Ruthmomto4 Member Posts: 708 Member

so although this is my husband's second time the cancer has been in his liver, this will be his first time using chemo. He wants to work during this, and try to continue his normal routine as much as possible. I agree I think it's good also. So my question is the first time chemo was offered it was no choice you did the 5fu with a port. in my research I have seen lots about Xeloda and I was wondering if this might be a better option? 

He is not resectable right now because one mass is in the caudate lobe abutting the IVC, I read MSK will still do this surgery but it's risky so I was thinking maybe try chemo first to see if it can shrink it then see if he can be resected? another question can you have a second liver resection? The other tumor is along the original resection margin. I keep reading chemo can't cure you only surgery can, it makes my blood run cold to see that. Has anyone been NED with metastasis with only chemo?

 

thank you in advance for any information you can give. I want to totally understand what the doctor is talking about and recommending on Friday. 

Comments

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    Xeloda is pill-form 5FU

    It's the same drug he got through his port, if he had the 2-day hook-up.  Some people have fewer side effects with Xeloda, others have more side effects.  Some drs prefer one form over the other, but they don't necessarily prefer the same form!  Best to talk with the drs and understand the advantages/disadvantages to both.  On the other hand, they might be bringing a whole new med into the picture.  Good luck!

    Alice

  • Ruthmomto4
    Ruthmomto4 Member Posts: 708 Member
    edited August 2017 #3
    abrub said:

    Xeloda is pill-form 5FU

    It's the same drug he got through his port, if he had the 2-day hook-up.  Some people have fewer side effects with Xeloda, others have more side effects.  Some drs prefer one form over the other, but they don't necessarily prefer the same form!  Best to talk with the drs and understand the advantages/disadvantages to both.  On the other hand, they might be bringing a whole new med into the picture.  Good luck!

    Alice

    He never had any chemo

    he did not do the post surgery chemo ( when the 5FU was offered) and after his liver resection they said he didn't need it. We have a new oncologist, and I was just trying a get an idea of what they might say.