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peggysue2

(11,477 posts)
Sun Aug 27, 2023, 12:50 PM Aug 2023

Liver Cancer is Us

Earlier in the year, I wrote about my grand-daughter Cassandra, who at the age of three had developed liver cancer, a very aggressive cancer that immediately threatened her life. Chemo has pushed the cancer back but her liver has been trashed. She is now on a liver donor list awaiting a transplant.

Friday afternoon, my husband received news that he, too, has liver cancer. The cancer was found early, two relatively small tumors. His case is complicated by diabetes and pre-existing liver disease (fatty liver/ non-alcoholic cirrhosis).

Anyone here have experience with liver cancer--what to expect, questions to ask? We have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday morning and another appointment Wednesday with an oncologist.

Any words of advice would be appreciated.

13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Liver Cancer is Us (Original Post) peggysue2 Aug 2023 OP
I don't have advice, Bayard Aug 2023 #1
Thanks, Bayard peggysue2 Aug 2023 #2
No advice to give, just best wishes to your family. blm Aug 2023 #3
Thanks, blm peggysue2 Aug 2023 #4
I know nothing that can help, but I wish all of you the best. Scrivener7 Aug 2023 #5
Hugs back, Scrivener peggysue2 Aug 2023 #6
Oh noooo!!! Sparkly Aug 2023 #7
Thanks, Sparkly, for the kind words peggysue2 Aug 2023 #8
A very late followup from the Liver Cancer Is Us Family peggysue2 Feb 2024 #9
What wonderful news! femmedem Feb 2024 #10
It was spectacular news, femmedem peggysue2 Feb 2024 #11
I can't imagine what you've been through! Sparkly Feb 2024 #12
Thanks, Sparkly peggysue2 Feb 2024 #13

Sparkly

(24,347 posts)
7. Oh noooo!!!
Mon Aug 28, 2023, 06:01 PM
Aug 2023

I wish I had some wisdom to offer you. All I can say is that this is why it is so important that everyone chooses to be organ donors. I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through.

peggysue2

(11,477 posts)
8. Thanks, Sparkly, for the kind words
Tue Aug 29, 2023, 07:48 AM
Aug 2023

My husband's already nixed the idea of organ transplant. He's convinced that his age (75) and preexisting medical conditions (pancreatic, kidney complications and diabetes) would reduce his chances of recovery to zero. And that's even if a transplant department would approve it.

Our surgical appointment was just cancelled until next week but we're seeing the oncologist tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll get a sense of what the best way forward is considering his overall health.

Like so many things, life has a habit of catching you sideways. The learning curve never ends!

peggysue2

(11,477 posts)
9. A very late followup from the Liver Cancer Is Us Family
Sat Feb 24, 2024, 01:28 PM
Feb 2024

My 3-year old grand daughter Cassandra has made a remarkable recovery since her liver transplant. She was released from the hospital after two more rounds of requisite chemo (post-transplant) and has bounced back far quicker than anyone expected. She is scheduled to have her trach removed in April, her stomach-peg pulled shortly and is already enrolled for a pre-K program in the fall.

It's hard to get my head around after all the turmoil, worry and grave medical reports of the past year. But the Warrior Princess is back on her feet and will enjoy her 4th birthday in late May.

My husband also was given very good news. More turmoil and worry. However, his liver carcinoma was spotted early, removed in late October. Took about two + months to get back on his feet but the followup with the surgeon and oncologist indicated no need for additional therapy (chemo). He was grateful for that. He'll require additional 3-6 month monitoring to keep an eye on the liver. The second worrisome spot has had no growth and his blood results are normal. The surgeon is thinking that is most likely a cyst; it's buried deep in the tissue and bc of his liver damage they decided to leave it.

Thus far, 2024 has treated us well on the medical front. Quite a journey though!

peggysue2

(11,477 posts)
11. It was spectacular news, femmedem
Mon Feb 26, 2024, 06:43 PM
Feb 2024

Better than I honestly thought we could hope for but the Universe was remarkably kind, the doctors skilled and my grand daughter and husband brave and resilient.

I'm exceedingly grateful and relieved. We dodged several bullets.

Sparkly

(24,347 posts)
12. I can't imagine what you've been through!
Wed Feb 28, 2024, 11:44 PM
Feb 2024

How wonderful that little Cassandra is doing well!! Lots to celebrate for her birthday in May.

Congrats on your husband's news, too!

peggysue2

(11,477 posts)
13. Thanks, Sparkly
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 12:00 PM
Feb 2024

It's been interesting to say the least. I may just scrub 2023 from my brain cells.

But . . . the outcome in 2024 was all positive. And yes, the month of May will b a humdinger.



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