New Treatment approved?

I sorta remember my Hemotologist tell me I was lucky because a new treatment was just approved about four months ago for HCC. This was the day She told I had Cancer too. So I really did not comprehend on that day much. Anybody know what she was talking about? I was reffered to Oncology Surgery and She will not talk with me anymore, no longer my Doctor she says. I have searched but my medical knowledge does not allow me to understand what I am reading, so far!

[DancingEyes63 Moderator Caregiver]

Hello. I'm afraid I don't know but I bet Andrea will know or can find out. So much information that it's easy to get confused. Especially after just getting such news. Hoping someone can point you in the right direction.

[bwpickard Caregiver]

Hi SSG1969--It is overwhelming to hear you have cancer so not surprising that you didn't hear everything. If you have someone who can go with you to any future MD appts or be on the phone if your MD office isn't allowing others in due to COVID, that will be a great help to you. Was your MD talking about medication? There are a lot of med options for HCC in the past few years--the newest one I am aware of that has become a first treatment depending on liver function and some other medical factors is atezolizumab/ bevacizumab--also known as avastin/tecentriq. It is an IV infusion and was FDA approved May 2020 so this may not be the one your MD was referring to--If you were referred to a surgeon your MD may think there is a surgical option for you, which is encouraging. An oncologist would know all the current HCC med treatments and with your current medical status what you would qualify for and there are also interventional treatments such as Y90 and debTACE that are done by interventional radiology. If you have access to a major cancer center where you are, all these specialists should work together to develop the best plan for you. The encouraging news is that there are more treatment options for HCC than there have ever been!

[Hidden in reply to bwpickard]

I think that was it. My liver function is perfect. Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to bwpickard]

Yes I will have my wife on the phone. She was on the phone for the diagnosis out in the parking lot in 98 degree Florida summer heat. She is a Mississippian so she thinks we are whimps! LOL But you can imagine hearing this on a video iPhone facetime call.