Conclusions regarding high AFP result

[Barnetaccounts]

I met with my clinical team on Thursday and although my test came back as 1829, I was told this could be caused by various factors. Nett result we think is I have 4 tumours that have regrown the largest of which is 3.5cm. I will be booked in for my 12th embolisation and will be reassessed 4 weeks later. I am then out of the country until the beginning of January and if required will attend for further bloods and an MRI before we discuss the next moves. We spoke about ablation and I fancy that won’t be too far away, and when that is no longer an option chemotherapy to slow down my inevitable demise. That’s all way in the future so for now I shall enjoy my break see what next year brings and god willing will be here to celebrate my 60th birthday next October.

[GrandmaDylan]

Wow Barnet, you seem very calm after such upsetting news. I hope that things go to plan for you. Enjoy your break and lets hope you achieve your 60th and subsequent birthdays too. Where are you off to? Take care. Deb

[Barnetaccounts in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Hi Deb, Believe it or not it’s actually better than I was expecting. When I look at my journey through all this (4 1/2 years) I have actually been extremely lucky. I have written a blog about my journey 1liver1life.wordpress.com and the inevitable ups and downs of liver disease. I have managed 2 years more than medical science thought I should and there is still time to go. I am off to the Carribean with my best friend and then we have rented a 7 bed house in Orlando where my wife and I will have my kids (Grown Up) and grandkids and spend Christmas with the mouse. I am ticking things off my bucket list, and still making plans. I do tend to deal with things matter of factly, because hysterics don’t get me anywhere. Take care.

Ray

[Warrior1]

Talk about someone with a great attitude. 🤗 Very admirable that. My brother, who I cared for had liver cancer and the years leading up to the inevitable, we sought to make as pleasant and positive as possible. He had been a functioning alcoholic for many years prior and the demon drink eventually got him, I suppose. I have a friend who’s also in AA like me, but is also terminal from brain cancer - obviously not alcohol related - and he’s only got months, but he’s also full of beans, positivity and up and about living a great life. I must read your blog, but all i’d say is keep on that ‘live/be grateful for today’ mentality and hopefully you’ll stay busy, too busy to fret too much. God speed and best of luck !! 🙏😊

[Barnetaccounts in reply to Warrior1]

I am also a very grateful member of A.A. I will be 16 years sober on Oct 16th. My blog is one of life. Recovery has made me grateful for everything and everybody that is a part of my life. I had a failed transplant in Nov 16 due to a massive haemorrhage on the operating table. At that point the prognosis was hours and my wife of 37 years began making funeral arrangements and arranging for friends and family to come and say goodbye. Well nearly 2 years later I am still here travelling the world and enjoying every single day. People outside of the fellowship scratch their head at my attitude and positivity . We all have to die someday, and this is certainly no dress rehearsal so we might as well enjoy it.

Ray

[Hidden in reply to Barnetaccounts]

Ray, you have such a brilliant attitude. I really hope you enjoy your holidays and your 60th next year

You are amazing

Love and hugs to you and your family. Lynne xccc

[kitkatkaz]

I feel very moved by your message and yet you are so calm, sending you my best wishes and keeping everything crossed - yes I mean everything! Keep us posted, but thinking of you and wishing you the best possible outcome. Which hospital do you go? If it's King's I could drop by and say hi. In the meantime grab life and love with both hands, make the most of your lovely holiday; having holidays is subject only to my daydreams at the moment.

[Barnetaccounts]

Thanks Kitkatkaz, I attend The Royal Free. I feel blessed with not only the response I get but also the love and support I get at home and from friends and everyone I come into contact with. I am attending The Free tomorrow for my 12th embolisation, then it will be move on and see where this journey takes me. I made a conscious decision when I was diagnosed with cancer that it would not define me. I reckon I haven’t done a bad job so far. Would I rather be cancer free - of course, but I’m not. So let’s get on with life while I can, and if I could get the opportunity to share my story with other sufferers, just show me where and I will happily give my time.Once again thanks for your kind words, and I will certainly keep everyone updated.

Ray

[Kate50]

Hi Ray, I have read your blog and I’m not going to lie I am totally in awe of you, your story although sad is very inspiring and makes me want to give myself a kick up the backside, I truly hope you make it to your 60th birthday and have the celebration to end all celebrations, good luck tomorrow hope all goes well, I look forward to reading the next chapter in your blog 😘🌸🍀