liver cancer and belly fluid

Just how big does a belly have to get before a doctor takes it seriously? Yes, my mother who is 73 and has been a heavy drinker all her life, has liver cancer and sclerosis  of the liver ( cant spell)!  Her belly is HUGE, makes it hard to breath and move.  Yet she is a heavy smoker too!  I have never seen a belly that large in my life.  The doctor should be draining it, shouldn't he?

[dalgaiw]

Yes she should if it is a build up of fluid - my Dad had a similar problem when he had cancer of the colon, he felt so much better when it was drained.  It makes a huge difference when they are in so much pain.  Press her doctor to get it done to make her more comfortable.

My thoughts are with you, take care.