Tiny met in liver

[Pinkpanzie]

Anybody out there with stable bones but then something shows on liver? 8 mm spot. Did SBRT get rid of the spot?

[Gonnawin]

I'm so sorry to hear about your new met. I just had a liver biopsy two weeks ago that showed a new met to liver that is 2.2mm. This spot is a new met from stage 4 Breast Cancer diagnosed in March of 2018. My onc suggestion is to do radiation, or radiation beads directly into the affected area. I have to confer with one other oncologist but seems that radiation is the way to go at this point. From what I have read it is not uncommon to have new mets to the liver. Please let us know what your oncologist suggests for you!

[Pinkpanzie in reply to Gonnawin]

Thank you Gonnawin. I think the plan is MRI and then SBRT radiation. However, I am not sure I will do anything. The mental part of this disease is so difficult. There is only one way out of this disease and sometimes I don't see the point of treatment.

[Gonnawin in reply to Pinkpanzie]

Please try to find and hold on to a positive attitude Pinkpanzie! Its difficult, I know. This site has given me so much hope and encouragement. I think it was on this site that someone said that they still had a lot of road ahead of them. I took that statement and built my mental road around it. I felt so much stronger, mentally and emotionally. I have been taking Ibrance and Letrozole since first diagnosed. My Oncologist said its still working, but a few determined cells got thru to the liver. I have an appointment next Thurs with the radiation Onc for SRBT. I'm leaning toward that method rather than radiation beads, only because she said one way (in my case) would be just as effective as the other. Only difference being whether or not SRBT could reach the targeted area effectively.

Please keep us informed Pinkpanzie as to how you are doing! You are cared about and you too have a LOT OF ROAD AHEAD OF YOU my friend!

[Pbsoup in reply to Gonnawin]

That’s so interesting that she kept you on Ibrance after progression to liver. How did she know it was still working? That seems to be the million dollar question with these medications once there is a bit of progression.

My liver Mets are tiny, but markers we’re headed up so I was switched to Xeloda. I miss Ibrance as I had no side effects at all.

My doctor was concerned that more rogue cells would take up residence in other places like my lungs so wanted to switch systemic treatments before we did local intervention like radiation . I just had a scan and liver is stable but not reduced so now I may do some local treatment to zap them. When are you doing SBRT? Let. Us know how it goes.

And totally agree with all you said to Pinkpanzie.

[Gonnawin in reply to Pbsoup]

I'm not sure why she says Ibrance is still working. That is on my list of questions to ask her next visit (in March). My cancer is HR+ HER2- with mets to bones, brain, lungs, lymph. Now liver. She is an excellent Oncologist and keeps herself well informed on new treatments so I feel confident she has looked ahead to whatever the next form of treatment may be. I have a consultation next Thurs regarding SBRT.

[kearnan in reply to Gonnawin]

Curious, I just found out last week that I have a 3.5 CM, not identified as mm in my liver. I was told (by a friend so who knows) bc I am not up on this metric system but that CM is larger than mm. My onco said it was worrisome. I said when is cancer not worrisome but as long as I do not feel pain, I am fine.

[Gonnawin in reply to kearnan]

According to google, 3.5 Cm is 1.378 inches. Your friend is correct, CM is larger than MM. I think we'd all agree that cancer is always worrisome but I'm glad you are not in pain! Sounds like your on onc will treat aggressively if he/she is finding it worrisome. Please let us know how that will be treated. But keep a positive attitude. It's the battle of defeating one area then fighting to defend the next area. We're all good fighters! ♥️

[Pbsoup]

I had a similar thing. Switched from Ibrance to Xeloda, which seems to be working insofar as my liver is stable. We are also talking about the Y90 (the bead thing you mentioned) It is scary, for sure, but I am still feeling well and am fully active.

I am sad you feel there is no point--I am not for heroic measures at end of life, but treating a small liver met is usually not that. I think there is totally a point to treatment! And from reading more about localized liver treatments, it can offer more time with minimal side effects.

It sounds like the mental side of things might be tough for you--Understandable. This is such a tough road we are all on. Do you have family and a support system to help you?

[Hazelgreen]

Hello Sister Canadian,

Although always scary, it seems fairly common for mets to progress to the liver. After I was diagnosed with extensive mets to bones, lungs, and spleen in 2019, a CT scan indicated liver mets in 2021. An MRI and a liver biopsy confirmed that these were breast cancer mets ER+ HER2-. However, my bloodwork ever since has remained positive with liver enzymes all in the normal range. Therefore, nothing has been done specifically to my liver even though the mets there have shown further growth on my last two scans.

Undoubtedly, I am much older than you, and my breast cancer may be much more slow-growing. In any case, I'm not intending to take any liver-oriented medications as long as my liver enzymes remain normal. I'm currently taking Kisqali and letrozole to control cancer mets in general.

You didn't mention what treatment you are currently on, or your type of breast cancer. I'll be interested to know what your oncologist recommends and why. In the meantime, check out your bloodwork to see how well your liver is functioning. Keep in mind that all drugs are processed by the liver so it goes through a lot no matter what treatment you are on.

Warmest wishes for your continued well-being,

Cindy

[Cureforever in reply to Hazelgreen]

Hi Cindy. How are you tolerating your meds? I am on Xeloda now but my oncologist said that one day I may go back on targeted meds I was taking ibrance two years ago. She said Verzanio or Kiscali

[Hazelgreen in reply to Cureforever]

Hi Marina,

I started Kisqali at 200 mg since I was reluctant to take the maximum tolerated dose of 600 mg used in the clinical trials. There is 2019 research that indicated both 200 mg and 400 mg doses were equally effective for those who couldn't take 600 mg. (I'll add the reference once I look it up).

After a week on 200 mg Kisqali and letrozole, I went up to 400 mg. Kisqali and stayed on that combination for almost 3 months. During that period, I experienced watery eyes/nose and itchy skin. My cancer markers (CA 15-3) dropped from 141 to 69 while my liver and lung mets slightly increased. My bloodwork declined in terms of white blood cells and kidney functioning, but my liver enzymes remained at normal levels.

I decided that my weight (180 lbs) might mean that I should be on the maximum dose of Kisqali. My oncologist agreed so I started 600mg of Kisqali and letrozole on Feb. 10th. I'll have a CT scan the end of March to see whether that is working to reduce my mets and cancer markers further. The skin on my chest and extremities has become very red and continues to be itchy while my eyes are watering less. My lips are very blistered and vasoline hasn't done much good. However, I think I'm adapting to the stronger dose and will stay on it if it's working. Otherwise, my oncologist is keen to put me in a clinical trial for Piqray since I have the PIK-3CA mutation. I understand that the side effects for Piqray are worse than those for Kisqali.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have, Marina. I'm happy to be useful.

Warm wishes always,

Cindy

[Hazelgreen in reply to Hazelgreen]

Here's a recent article from Denmark on the effectiveness of lower doses of ribociclib (Kisqali):

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2021 Aug;188(3):799-809. doi: 10.1007/s10549-021-06215-6. Epub 2021 Apr 10.

It looks like you may have to copy it into your browser. I think Anne Loesser's book also has a relevant reference.

[Cureforever in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thank you so much Cindy for sharing. I hope you will tolerate this dose. I had bad side effects from Piqray and was taken off. I am on xeloda now. I hate cancer. Best,

Marina

[Debbigbang]

Hello fellow Canadian 😁

I have had liver leisions from the get go with my trip with MBC. My first bone scan showed bone leisions T3 and hip. I went on letrozole and ibrance. 6 mths in bones are stable, that liver is still growing with another 1 there as well. Pesky liver. I have been switched to fulvestrant and letrozole. Just started that combo, CT scan next month. Hopefully liver will stabilize.

You have to understand this is the game with MBC. Unfortunately we are another bunch outside breast cancer. Nobody knows why for some breast cancer bumps to this. We haven't done anything wrong just is. So we protect out lives. We carry on this lot in life. In Canada we aren't offered as many choices as our neighbors US. That in itself is frustrating. My onocologyst as well as radiation department will not use radiation until liver is stable. I have never gone through chemo, started with this vein of treatment. She keeps the chemo in her back pocket as the ultimate fix. As most know chemo kills good and bad.

The fact is this is our lot in life. You could go on all sorts of brain roads, why me blah blah. But essentially here you are. It is up to you on how you would like to do this. You walk through it like you own the joint!!! You find the beauty, the love, the joy in every day of the rest of your life. Yes my liver grows, maybe I found the magic meds like a lot of women have on this site. But what we do is encourage each other, lift up spirts, keep each other positive. You have a group here that understand exactly what you are going through. You are feeling very well so embrace that. I am 59 yrs old and hope to keep feeling well as long as I can. Outside medication you need to keep as healthy as you can. I make sure my diet is as clean as much as I can. I don't drink, that is a whole other conversation. I walk most every day. I stretch and do simple tai chi. I meditate to keep stress at bay. Good luck on your journey. No matter what our lot is stay positive and positivity will come back to you.

Hugs

Deb ❤🙏

[Pinkpanzie in reply to Debbigbang]

Thanks Deb. I was de novo in June 2020. Hormone positive, HER2-. I am just feeling done. Not going to get better so my light is burning out. I have much stress in my life as well.

[ChrisVict]

I ditto Deb’s reply. It was hit all the points.Attitude is extremely important.

[mariootsi in reply to ChrisVict]

I agree with Deb also! We are here for you

[Tennisgirl1225]

Attitude is so important! I love Deb’s comment! Walk in like you own the joint! Control the things you can control. Surround yourself with like minded people/friends/family. Look for the positive, look for the good. Keep moving forward even if it’s a baby step. In fact, today I am going to walk in to tennis and own the joint!! 🤣

[Cureforever]

Hi. I was diagnosed in 2019 with bones only. In 2021 I got a liver met. My oncologist put me on Xeloda. I will have a scan next week. She believes that the systemic treatment is better that any invasive treatment to the liver. In regards to your mental stage I have anxiety almost every day but I believe that more and more new meds are coming out. Many people refer to stage 4 as terminal. My cousin (doctor) said that the whole life is terminal. I saw people on this and other sides who are living with MBC 5, 8, 18 and 20 years. It’s a very difficult life but it’s life. I hope for new drugs and for cure. I joined the ErSO activism group. We all follow the preclinical development of ErSO DFP that cured mbc in mice. Good luck to you and all of us!!!

[Pbsoup in reply to Cureforever]

I hope your scan results are positive. 😀

[Cureforever in reply to Pbsoup]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏🤞🤞

[Cureforever in reply to Pbsoup]

Hi. Thank you so much.

[WhippetX2]

Dear Pinkpanzie, you are entitled to feel angry, depressed or hopeless. I’m sure we’ve all had these feelings to different degrees. HOWEVER, also please know that even though we’re on a journey (without a map may I add) so too are others who aren’t dealing with MBC. I had a friend who was feeling fine one day and the next they had been diagnosed with brain cancer. The point is that none of us, with or without MBC, know what our path is going to be. We all have to take and treasure each day. It’s constant work to do that. Some days I’m pretty successful and others not so much. But I always get right back up and keep trying. I know you can too. Sending you many hugs.

[Pinkpanzie]

Thank you. Very, very low right now.

[Timtam56]

I’ve had a “Spot” on my liver and some in my lungs for the 4 years since diagnosis. They, (Onc) don’t do anything about it. It just comes up in conversation sometimes. I feel very lucky that it doesn’t seem to have changed, grown, moved….. Very lucky indeed. But I always try just not to worry too much. And although my Onc doesn’t let me fall into a false sense of security, ever, she always tries to get me to see that things are okay now. So try not to worry and enjoy life as much as I possibly can right NOW! So. That’s what I’ve been doing. Still here.

[Cureforever]

Hi Sandra. Thank you so much. You are so sweet. I am shaking already. Best,

Marina

[Cureforever]

Hi. I had bones only and then the last pet ct showed liver. The doctor changed the medicine. I am also very anxious but hope for new drugs and cure. I have seen ladies on different sites with Mets to multiple organs and bone who live for many years. Do not be discouraged. Best,

Marina