Hepatoma treatment

My HepC which has been complicated by cirrhosis and ascites now shows a tumor mass and very high AFP (500). I have been advised to have TACE. My concerns are that my blood count (WBC 3000, Hg 13) is low, platelets 50-65,000. My bilirubin is 1.2. INR 1.2, Albumen 3.1. I would like to hear from some of you who have undergone this treatment about the side effects and hopefully good efects you have experienced. I am 80 years old and fear that I will be more sensitive to side effects than most. Your experience will help me in my decision making.

[Myown]

Hi Jer,
Welcome to the forum. sorry to hear of your health concerns. I haven't treated as of yet, so I can't be of much help to you, but I do hope that you are able to get the best care from a good doctor. Hopefully someone who is knowledgeable on forum can be of some help. you may want to browse the archives for more info also.

wish you the best!

[Myown]

Hi Jer,
Welcome to the forum. sorry to hear of your health concerns. I haven't treated as of yet, so I can't be of much help to you, but I do hope that you are able to get the best care from a good doctor. Hopefully someone who is knowledgeable on forum can be of some help. you may want to browse the archives for more info also.

wish you the best!

[sallyo]

What is TACE?

[neptune235]

From the first link offered by googling TACE:

TACE: Transarterial chemoembolization, a procedure in which the blood supply to a tumor is blocked (embolized) and chemotherapy is administered directly into the tumor. Used to treat liver cancer.

[JER22]

Thanks to all of you for your comments and support. I still hope to hear from some who have gone through the treatment. JER22

[NYCMark]

They do a fair amount of TACE at the hospital where I work. Your liver functions seem pretty good and your hb and wbc are ok. It's generally an overnight or two stay, and the side effects are minimal, since the agents are delivered right to the tumor site and not into the general blood stream. Of course, you are an older patient (no offense!) and there are always unforeseen side effects with any procedure, but TACE is generally well tolerated with minimal problems. It represents one of the few treatment options you have for a liver tumor at this stage, considering your ascites and decreased platelets.

Make sure you go someplace that has good experience at this stuff!
Mark

[ladybug52]

Good luck, I know nothing about TACE but am impressed with your courage and knowledge of this disease. I bet you will do well, you sound like an awfully young 80!
Bug

[neptune235]

Sorry to hear of your health, Jer, I don't have any advice, as my liver is stage3/grade3, with only a slight elevation in AFP (~25).

Are the docs offering any alternative to TACE?

[ladybug52]

Post another question but this time ask if anyone has gone thru the T.A.C.E. procedure. Maybe you'll get more results.