Cirrhosis advanced to cancer

[hepc4jean]

Last week, Tuesday, I finally got to see a hepatologist.  I was a direct admit to the hospital.  I was discharged yesterday.  They removed over 20 liters of fluid, and 34 pounds.  I still have hepatitis C (Unable to tolerate treatment), my liver is still cirrhotic, and they discovered two Inoperable tumors in my liver.  Only treatment option is TheraSphere.  Radioactive beads injected directly into the liver, where the tumor is.  I will have to have this done twice, because the two tumors are at opposite ends of the liver.  One is in the portal vein.  They are to call this week with scheduling for this procedure.  Doesn't look good.

[nan535]

So sorry to hear this.  You will remain in my thoughts and prayers for a good outcome.  Perhaps you can contact Hector. He may be able to give you some good support and hope having survived a similar experience.

Big hug,
Nan

[HectorSF]

Hi. I am so sorry that you are having such a terrible time with your ascites and now HCC. Please try to stay hopeful. I am sure you are devastated right now as I was when I was first diagnosed with HCC 3 years ago now. I have had 4 TACE treatments over the years which are similar to TheraSpher treatment. It is the same procedure except TACE uses chemo, doxorubicin coated beads instead of radiation beads.

Do you have a good support system? I found it really vital to deal with all that you are dealing with. I would highly encourage you to bring someone with you on your appointments and before the TheraSpher treatment. It can be a little scary especially the first time if you haven't had a similar type of procedure before. The good news is it isn't as bad as it sounds. The main thing is to do whatever you can to fight the cancer. Ultimately we don't have control over what the cancer does, but we can do everything in our power to fight back. I found a certain solace in that.

I had 8 different cancer treatments for my HCC tumors over 2 1/2 years, including Cyberknife robotic radiation treatment which is also used on non-operable cancers. Normally brain, bone, lung and prostate cancers. They let me try it after I had failed 5 other treatments and was told I only had a few months to live last year. Amazingly to myself and all of the doctors, the radiation treatment worked and I got my liver transplant last November and am still cancer free so far which I am so very, very grateful for.

If there is any way I can help you let me know. What you are going through is hell. A hell that luckily most people will never know. I am hoping the best for you. Stay strong and cry when you need to. That is how I got through it to be alive today.

Here is the TherSpear website with a video showing how the treatment works in in medical jargon.
http://www.therasphere.com/home_us/index.asp

Here is website which will tell you how the treatment is planned and performed at a transplant center here in SF which is probably very much like what will be happening at your treatment center.
"TheraSphere (with an angiogram) Liver Cancer Treatment"
http://www.cpmc.org/learning/documents/therasphere.html

“Carve a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Sending lots of  love and hope your way.
Hector

[hepc4jean]

Thank you for your reply.  I am at a crossroad and do not want the procedure.  I was told that the procedure was not a cure, but would buy some time.  I do not want any borrowed time that is spent drooling and babbling.  Please be clear, I do not have ascites, all of my edema was from the hips to my feet.  Mobility was a big issue, better now.  I also know that every time in my life, that when I went on the table, something life threatening would happen.  eg: Tubes tied, woke up on a ventilator.  I am an RN, and I am well aware of what can go wrong.  Maybe it's also a curse. Anyway, thank you for letting me vent.  My support system?  I live alone.  My children live 250 miles away, they come about once a month.  I have friends, but I hate to ask for anything, so I usually don't.  Thanks again.

[hepc4jean]

I will be checking out those websites, and thank you.

[lukinforward]

I have chronic cirrhosis end stages and hep c stage 4. I have insur. But 3 denials. I feel your pain. God bless you and may he lay his healing hands on you and heal you of your negative health. Don't give up. I don't have cancer but my friend, real known person, lol. Told me of hydrogen peroxide 35% food grade ghat he swears cured him in his final steps. Use your own judgement but right now I would just about try anything.  I see nno hopd. I havve scripts but no money and insur denied 3 times.

[flyinlynn]

from the American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/pharmacologicalandbiologicaltreatment/oxygen-therapy

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that putting oxygen-releasing chemicals into a person's body is effective in treating cancer. Some types of oxygen treatment may even be dangerous; there have been reports of serious illness and death from hydrogen peroxide. Ozone is a strong oxidant that can damage cells, and has also caused deaths.

further on in th earticle:

A 2001 review of ozone therapy concluded that "… few rigorous clinical trials of the treatment exist. Those that have been published demonstrated no evidence of effect… Until more positive evidence emerges, ozone therapy should be avoided."

Are there any possible problems or complications?

The medical literature contains several accounts of patient deaths attributed directly to putting oxygen-releasing substances into the body.

Hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if swallowed, especially the concentrated solutions sold in some health food stores. “Food grade” peroxide is a very strong corrosive solution. It contains 35% hydrogen peroxide, a concentration that is more than ten times stronger than the 3% peroxide approved for use on the skin. Food grade hydrogen peroxide is approved by the FDA to clean food surfaces and for certain bleaching and disinfecting tasks in food production.


Personally I would follow the recommendations of the American Cancer Society and not try Hydrogen peroxide for anything other than cleaning food preparation surfaces. If it could cure cancer I think we would have heard by now.....
Lynn

[flyinlynn]

Jean

I am so sorry to hear of your situation. Others have made it through similar circumstances hope you will be able to say the same soon.

Good luck you are in my thoughts
Lynn

[Mmorgan854]

Jean, I absolutely hate to hear what you are going through. My thoughts an prayers an Hugs are being sent your way. Although you said it doesn't look good, there's always hope. I mean, just look at Hectors journey.  Now that's the definition of true HOPE...  Take care an angels on your pillow tonight. Mary

[nan535]

I'm glad someone revived this thread again. How are you, Jean?
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Nan