Hi, some questions about my dad...

ToryB · New User Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Hi,
Dad was diagnosed with cancer in his larynx a year ago...it has since spread to his liver...I realise that this forum is for primary cancer of the liver but its dads liver cancer that I have some questions about so i hope its ok to ask here...

The liver cancer was comfirmed about 4 months ago and dads feet are now VERY swollen (he is on diretics Sp? although they dont seem to be doing anything...), he is very weak and now mostly unable to get up the stairs alone, he sleeps all the time, drifting in and out of sleep costantly, he doesent go out anymore and never gets dressed...he is increasing amounts of pain in his tummy area since the liver has gotten so large with the tumours and so is not eating now and instead having tube feeds through his rig tube...we were told a couple of weeks ago that its terminal and the oncologist has not set another appointment for dad to go back and its not benificial...instead we have been directed to the local hospice...

His tumour in his larynx has been shrunk with a course of radiotherapy over christmas and it has shrunk it a fair amount but they arnt going to pursue anymore treatment...

Can anyone tell me what to expect with the liver cancer? The tumour in dads neck i can deal with alot more becuase i can see it...i know if its got bigger etc but i feel at a total loss with the liver cancer...how long does soneone with liver cancer normally live? I feel like dad is deteriorating fast now...

Thanks,
Tory x

brainman

Tory, I am very sorry about your father's liver cancer. From what you say, it sound like the end is drawing near Sad

.

While everyone is different, in most cases with liver cancer, as the liver begins to shut down due to the cancer, toxins start to build up in the body. These toxins can make a person feel weak, tired, and loss of appetite. Plus, the toxins can start to affect other organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs.

Has hospice already started to help your father? It has been my experience that hospices are staffed by wonderful people who can help you and your father address his problems and bring a little quality back to his life.

You and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
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ToryB · New User Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3 Location: UK

Jim,
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my post...Dad finally agreed to the nurses coming in to help and they came for the first time today. They are very worried about him and said that his feet likely wont get any better now as its something to do with the toxins like you say...

The hospice have been going to mum and dads house monthly but they are going to go on wednesday and re-asses...they want to send 'carers' daily (a couple of times a day) so im assuming they will be either macmillan or marie curie nurses...

Dad started with this shivering yesterday and he was cold, so mum put the fire on and wrapped him in blankets to warm him up and then 2 hours later when he finally stopped shaking he was boiling hot and wanted the windows open...they he gets cold again...

Anyway thanks again for the resposnce, i appreciate it xxx

laupw

Tony,
Other than what Brian has said. You could also try getting hold of
the Macmillian Nurses in the UK. They could help to ease some of the burden.

My thoughts are with you all,

Phil

Queensland Girl · Regular Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Australia

Hello,

My dad also suffered from getting cold and then his knee got very hot and stayed warm to the touch.

Unfortunately for Dad, the Dr suspected that his cancer may have metastased to the bone. With the size of your Dads tummy, have the Drs suggested that he may has ascites. This is leakage of fluid outside of the liver into the abdominal cavity. My Dad that three trips to the hosiptal to have the fluid drained, then he was given a shunt which helped a lot. The swelling in his tummy and legs subsided enough for him to have more mobility and comfort. Dad stopped chemo in October.

Sadly towards the end, the body gets very confused and all we can do is to try and help them get warm, or cool off or whatever they want.

I lost my Dad on January 7, so I know a little of what you all are going through.

My thoughts are with you,

Queensland Girl

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