Need Advice

Still Keeping Faith · Regular Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: California

Hi,

My dad has been diagnosed with primary liver cancer since 11/2/06 (on the right side of his liver) and we just received devastating news today that it has spread to his diaphragm and peritoneal cavity. Prior to this, we were told that resection was a possibility, but portal vein embolization needed to be done first in order to increase the left liver (healthy side with no tumor) so he could have enough liver function for the surgery. Well, after the embolization and weeks later after the CT scan, the goal of increasing liver volume was accomplished, but now that the cancer has spread, there's no hope for resection and was simply told by the best surgeon at UCLA that they are very sorry, but nothing can be done, no treatment options except for hospice.

We're completely saddened and very devastated by this news because all this time, we've been holding out hope that things will turn out for the best. Other than the very large tumor on the liver (about 23 x 16 cm), my dad's been eating, drinking, still in control of his bodily functions, etc. and so there's no reason for us to think of the worst until today's news. My dad doesn't know the truth yet and I'm still holding out hope for possible suggestions, like clinical trials, alternative medicine. I will call hospice to figure out some things, but meanwhile I'm still going to research for clinical trials, whatever I can find just to keep fighting for a MIRACLE. I understand there's a number of people who can relate to what we are going through right now, so any words of advice, support, encouragement is very much appreciated.

Still Keeping Faith

Gman · New User Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

My heart goes out to you and your family. You may want to check out Sapeneia in Jackson,MS. They are an international cancer ablation center. Really nice people !!

www.destroycancer.org

Good luck !!!

Greg

THE 1 · Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:51 am Post subject: Re: Need Advice

don't be devastated. My mother's liver was 70% occupied with hepatocellular carcinoma, she underwent chemoembolisation which was successful to quite an extent. Later the PET/CT scan revealed that the cancer has spread over to the lymph nodes. Right now, our situation is similar to yours, we are waiting for a miracle... The doctors are administering chemotherapy for her which according to the studies has a minor success rate of 30%. I would suggest you to look for other specialised centers besides UCLA, you might also consider stepping out of your country and heading towards Pacific Asia, these people are far more experienced and they know what to do in typical "out of doctor's hands" situations. If you can afford to take him abroad, do consider Gleneagles hospital in Singapore, www.gleneagles.com.sg ; besides that, there are other specialised centers in Malaysia, China and Taiwan.

I wish you the very best of luck with your father's situation.

Regards,

THE 1
_________________
if GOD brings you to it, HE alone will bring you through it.

Still Keeping Faith · Regular Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: California

Hi,

Thank you to those who have replied. Since my last post, I've done some more research and found a couple of things that might offer a glimmer of hope. Came across this new form of treatment called microspheres therapy (apparently, it's some form of internal radiation with good results) and it's being done in treatment centers across the country. There's 2 centers in California and so we have an appointment on Monday with one of the clinics in La Jolla and we're hoping they can do something for my father. The other option is a possible clinical trial involving chemotherapy, but we're holding off pending the apppointment in La Jolla. Also, my dad's fairly weak right now so we're not sure if he could withstand chemo. Anyway, wish us luck and continue with thoughts and prayers! Will check back again.

Still Keeping Faith

THE 1 · Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:44 am Post subject: Re: Need Advice

Thanks for sharing this extra bit of knowledge with us. "Microsphere therapy", haven't heard of it before but will look into it, might be helpful in my mom's case too. My mom is too weak to undergo chemotherapy, yet the Doctors down here decided that this was the only available solution, so they're giving her a light dose of it, which they term as "gentle systemic chemotherapy"... Do keep us posted about this microsphere therapy and what the doctors have to say to you.

Regards,

THE 1
_________________
if GOD brings you to it, HE alone will bring you through it.

paulsdaughter · Regular Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 14

Hi,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My family was in a very similar situation as you are in now. My dad did get the resection, but unfortunately it was not successful. He also had a portal vein clot & cirrhosis. Is radio frequency ablation a option for your dad? I believe the microspheres are called SirSpheres. There is also chemoembolization straight to the tumors which minimizes chemo symptoms. You could also check out the Cancer Treatment Centers of America or the Univ. of Pittsburgh. I heard they have an excellent liver doc there. Never, ever give up hope. Miracles happen every single day and there isn't a cancer out there that someone hasn't survived. God bless.

Jen

Still Keeping Faith · Regular Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: California

Thank you Jen for your encouraging words! My father does not qualify for radiofrequency ablation because his tumor is too big and so the treatment would not be effective in shrinking it as is the case with chemoembolization. There is a glimmer of hope with microsphere therapy (Therasphere), but we've run into a glitch with insurance approval because it's still so new. Not giving up yet! Tried Cancer Centers of America first, but referral was not covered by insurance due to being out of state. It's quite restrictive when you have HMO.

Anyway, after the appointment in La Jolla, the radiation oncologist told us he was willing to do treatment for my father, but of course, initial preliminary testing for the treatment is on hold until insurance approval which means more waiting. It's just extremely frustrating to be offered this little glimmer of hope and then to run into an obstacle that could cost my father his life. Not giving up hope though! Also my dad's oncologist mentioned about this new drug called Nexavar/Sorafenib, which is FDA approved for kidney cancer, but was previously used in clinical trials for liver cancer with success in shrinking tumors and so we're trying to enroll my father in this as well. Again, it may be a battle with the insurance, but the oncologist feels if it came down to denial, we can fight it. Will check back again. Thanks again to those who continue to read and offer their kind words, support and encouragement!

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