Oligometastisis? Cut it out!

[jersey-jazz]

Ppppopp brought up the issue of oligometastisis and the idea of removing it.

My oncologist and I have briefly discussed removing a lesion on the liver that has been reduced to insignificance by Letrozole. I want it cut out with surgery with the hope that it wouldn't grow ,again. She says that that is too dangerous and is possibly offering microwave surgery. I know that that is painful. How painful?

I realize that this situation is small compared to so many others' and for that I am humble. BUT uninformed. Please, anyone?

[hdhonda]

Hi Jersey-Jazz,

Best wishes for the best option. I don't know anything about this as my mets are on my lungs. Just wanted to let you that it may be that most aren't familiar with this procedure. Blessings, Hannah

[jersey-jazz in reply to hdhonda]

Thank you, Hannah, This place of ours is such a comfort station and people like you make it so.

XX OO

[Bubbles001]

Several years ago, I was diagnosed oligometestatic with one small lesion in the bone picked up by a pet scan. We radiated it and it took three years before anything else showed up. We were going for a cure. It didnt happen, but I believe it was worth it to try.

[jersey-jazz in reply to Bubbles001]

Thank you for responding. After reading so many of the posts on this special website, I understand that I may be hoping for something that is not so. When asked if this was oligometastisis, in the kindest way, she said that is was Stage 4 and did not acknowledge that it was oligometasasis (spelling?) I guess I got the straight answer from her. (to be continued).

[Bubbles001 in reply to jersey-jazz]

It is stage IV, but the thought is that some people can be cured with an oligometastesis. I know someone who had 4 liver only spots that were addressed by surgery and radiation and 9 years later, she is NED. She is HER2+, though, which helps in this situation as she does take perjeta and herceptin. Maybe get a second opinion?

[jersey-jazz in reply to Bubbles001]

I had bilateral breast cancer; hormone positive on the left and Her2 on the right with twelve lymph nodes involved. I did the courses of perjeta and Herceptin with complete cure on the right, so far. Treatment for the left breast was less successful. Last year, I had recurrent cancer on the left breast and then, at the end of the year, the cancerous lesion in the liver was diagnosed.

On 6 October, I see my most wonderful oncologist for the last time. She is retiring at age 59. The last time I saw her she was debating between taking a position back at a different hospital or retiring. Earlier this week, I was told by her office of her decision. I'm gutted! I guess this means that I will be getting a second opinion. I need to decide from where.

Sorry for my rambling. I have so many unanswered questions that are swirling around in my brain. Not knowing very much, to me, is scarifying.

Again, thank you.

XX OO

[WordNerdSharron in reply to jersey-jazz]

Sorry your oncologist is retiring. It's difficult to switch when you trust and rely on a care provider. I pray you find someone else equally as good or better. I'm in the process of switching providers because of a move. I will be really sorry to leave the oncologist who has cared for me for two years, but I am well-pleased with my new doc at MD Anderson--Cooper.