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Big decision. Met surgeon today - he wants to do liver resection. Is this recommended or too risky?

Hopedog1 profile image
16 Replies

I have one isolated 7mm met in my liver. I met a liver specialist today who feels I am an ideal candidate for liver resection rather than ablation as he thinks it could be minimally invasive.

I don’t know what to do - is it risky to come off meds? Is resection surgery too risky? It it necessary to do it now or is the tumour contained if it is stable (or could cancer cells come from it and spread)? Will it give me a better outcome if they can safely remove it, or is it safer to use medication to keep it stable? What if I stay stable for years on meds but fall I’ll with complications from surgery?

So many questions and concerns . . .

Anyone had a similar dilemma who can give me their perspective?

Thank you

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Hopedog1
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16 Replies
TwithBC profile image
TwithBC

Hoping someone has good advice!

8576 profile image
8576 in reply toTwithBC

I cant' answer your questions but if possible a second opinion can at least advise you. If it is not possible to seek a second opinion from a doctor then call your national health service.

Cheers, June S.

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply to8576

Thank you June. Yes that may be my next step

Hotlantaphatz profile image
Hotlantaphatz

Hi! I met with radiologist ysda about the same. My case will discussed by a group of doctors next week. My options are follow progression of the lesion, radiology, or resection. It appears so far I am a good candidate for the resection and that is the option that is most promising for me. Once I get feedback from the team of surgeons I will decide. At present my choice is resection. This is a HUGE decision. Maybe a second opinion will give you the details you need. My best to you. I will follow you and keep you posted on my surgery. Stay strong!X

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Hi. It is so helpful to hear from you as you are in the same situation. When you refer to watching the progression of the tumour- did your medical team recommend waiting if the tumour remains stable, or would they do a procedure asap?

Hotlantaphatz profile image
Hotlantaphatz in reply toHopedog1

Yes they did recommend waiting a few months. I said NOPE!!

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Did they give a reason for waiting and watching? And how long would they wait for? One Dr said to me ‘tumours can stay stable on meds for years’ another said ‘get it out asap’ - how are patients supposed to know what to do for the best?

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Can I also ask why you have chosen resection as your first option atm?

Hotlantaphatz profile image
Hotlantaphatz in reply toHopedog1

Met with radiology and a surgeon. They explained both options. I selected resection because the lesion and more tissue will be extracted for testing. Also I only have one lesion and was explained the cancer will be removed from liver with this option. I have a follow up with onc and surgeon with more questions prior to treatment. Also I am doing my research as well.

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Yes that’s what the liver surgeon said to me - the resection will remove all the tumour and surrounding tissue. Ablation may not kill all the cells.Are you concerned about coming off your medication and did they say for how long? (Sorry for the questions but it’s so good to be able to speak to someone in the same situation)

Hotlantaphatz profile image
Hotlantaphatz in reply toHopedog1

I have an appointment with my onc Friday. Will discuss with her.

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Hope your appointment goes well. I would be really grateful if you could let me know what your oncologist says. Thank you

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toHotlantaphatz

Hi there. I am just wondering how you got on with your oncologist?

NPmary profile image
NPmary

Can you meet your oncologist and ask all of these questions.You could also ask if it's possible for her to gather a tumor board meeting where all the f ocs involved as well as others meet and

Collectively come to a consensus regarding the best course of treatment. Wishing you the best. 💙

.

Hopedog1 profile image
Hopedog1 in reply toNPmary

Great advice. My lead oncologist doesn’t have the answers- so I can certainly ask about a board meeting (although I don’t think they do that here in the Uk). Failing that I’ll have to seek out second options myself. Thank you

NPmary profile image
NPmary in reply toHopedog1

Good luck. Hope for the best.

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