Liver cancer

[Harps135]

I was just wondering if the doctor decided that treatment for liver cancer was no longer or has not worked and recommended hospice would go for a second opinion. Have been having treatment for approximately and the cancer has not shrank, it was at 8 cm?

[bwpickard Caregiver]

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this and make these decisions. My husband had a good response to Y90 radioembolization when his tumor was 8cm and invading the portal vein. He has some smaller tumors but the main tumor was killed by the Y90 and retracted out of the portal vein. He has been on Lenvima, Opdivo, Sorafenib and now Avastin/Tecentriq to treat the smaller tumors and God has blessed us with good liver function and stability at present. I don't know what treatments you have tried but there are more options for HCC than there were when he was diagnosed March 2019 and there are factors that affect the choice of treatments so would encourage you to discuss this openly with your MD. Second opinions can be a good option to make sure you have explored all treatments available for your particular circumstance. God Bless!

[Ninuslondon Caregiver in reply to bwpickard]

Hi I would like to ask you a question please? Did your husband do a surgery? My mother in law has been diagnosed 3 weeks ago with liver cancer and they said she need to do a surgery

[bwpickard Caregiver in reply to Ninuslondon]

My husband wasn’t eligible for surgery because of the size and nature of his tumor. Our understanding is that surgical resection is a great option if the tumor small enough so would encourage you to ask why they think surgery is the best option for your mom. Hopefully hers is small enough it can be resected!!! Glad to answer any other questions!

[Ninuslondon Caregiver in reply to bwpickard]

Thanks a lot for your reply. My mother in law is 73 years old and we’ve been told that the surgery is complicated that’s why we’re worried.

[bwpickard Caregiver in reply to Ninuslondon]

I would ask how many of these type surgeries her surgeon has done and what outcomes have been for Patients in your mothers age and general health status group as you want someone who is experienced. Her general health and liver function are factors they should consider with deciding on surgery. We wish my husband had been a candidate. You can always request a second surgical opinion to reassure you.

[AndreaWilson_Founder Partner Editor Caregiver]

Hello Harps135

I'm sorry to hear about your or your loved one's diagnosis. There are many options for advanced HCC as bwpickard listed. Have you discussed palliative care, which is different from hospice?

~Andrea Wilson Woods

President & Founder

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