6 months routine HCC liver monitoring results

[Nip1]

Hi all, Well at last I've had my 6 months routine MRI liver scan and liver monitoring blood results back after 6 weeks of worrying and fretting. No features of concern with scan and AFP bloods<1.3 normal.

I'm just wondering if any of you know if the bloods for HCC are also for liver function aswell. I had my annual hypertension medical 3 weeks ago at my local GP'S and my liver function was normal and no action needed. Don't know if bloods are for different tests or if they will give the same reading . Sorry for the long post but would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks guys.

Nip1

[AyrshireK]

Your 6 monthly bloods should be a full liver panel showing the full state of your liver and from it doctors should be able to calculate your UKELD (United Kingdom Model for End Stage Liver Disease) or MELD (Model for End Stage Liver Disease) score. Only the AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein) is the HCC monitoring/tumour marker.

Katie

[Nip1 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for your reply Katie. I've never received any UKELD or MELD scores from any other scans I've had done. This is my third scan and the first time I've had any AFP blood results sent back to me and wondered why there is no other results showing. Do I need to ask for them?

Nip1

[AyrshireK in reply to Nip1]

In 11 years we've never been told any of hubbies hospital blood results or what his UKELD/MELD score is ........... it's a tool that doctors will use to keep an eye on you and you really don't need to know it (just something to potentially get stressed about because it talks of life expectancies/transplant need).

[Nip1 in reply to AyrshireK]

Oh! OK.I suppose if there was anything serious to report then they would let me know a lot sooner. .

Thanks again Katie

[Hidden]

I have my bloods done through the hospital and I see the result on MYChart, which is something you can access online, as far as the messaging service in MyChart I wouldn't recommend it, but as far as blood tests it is wonderful, usually get the results on the same day and they show the standard range, as well as where you are and what your previous results were.

MELD score I had to request and had to have a difficult conversation with my Consultant, at the time I needed to know if I qualified for a DS1500 form and where I was on the active transplant list, the MELD scores help give you an idea. Fortunately/unfortunately getting information out of your doctors/medical team can be a bit difficult at times, they don't want to worry you, I always think of the phrase "getting blood out of a stone" when I talk to them.

[Nip1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply I think I'll skip the MYChart and just accept the doctors results. I suppose the phrase No News is Good News is the best option.

Nip1

[pushthrough in reply to Nip1]

Smart decision Nip. I don’t love being told my MELD every 6 months. Wishing you the best friend.

[Roy1955]

If they drew off 3 vials of blood it would be a full liver panel of tests.

[Nip1 in reply to Roy1955]

I only usually have 2 vials drawn for liver monitoring.. FBC-Haematology and Liver- Biochemistry.