Dad's cancer has spread to his liver...

[polluxx]

Dad said that they could see the tumors on his liver during his CAT scan.

We are still waiting for the results of his biopsy to find out what kind of cancer it is, and what kind of chemo he will need. There was a problem with the samples they took, and the tests may need to be repeated before we can get any more information.

He continues to be in good spirits, and is counting his blessings.

[PammySue_51]

Thank God your dad is in good spirits. It's amazine what we can do in spite of ourselves. You will find lots of folks (myself included who have liver mets.) Even though we're on chemo we still are able to maintain some sense of normality (whatever that is when you have cancer) in our lives. You have come to the right place for support.

[justsing]

Well, the journey just got a little more complicated, but it's always better to deal with the enemy in front of you than waiting for it to jump out from behind the next tree! So the next few days will be about smoking out all the bandits, lining them all up and figuring out the best way to wipe them out!

I wish you grace and clarity as you sift through your options. Just remember that you don't have to make any sudden moves.


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[cptmac]

I am sorry to hear it might be in his liver. This can be devastating news to hear. I pray that it is nothing. If it is something, know that there are many Stage IV survivors. Many on this board here.

I will keep you in my heart and prayers...

[bradyr]

yes, if there are inded tumors in his liver, this will almost certainly mean a stage IV diagnosis. honestly, that will make this much harder and the treatmetn is more difficult.

But remember, stage IV is by no means an immediate death sentence. this is definitly searious, but every individal diagnosis is unquie and depending upon how small the tumors are, how agreesively the doctors are willing to treat this and how well your father responses to the chemo and other treatments this could mean many years.

even if you do look at the survial stats, which I hope you don't do until you ready to handle it - always someone has to be the in the survial side of those stats.

[polluxx]

Thanks for the support, everyone.

I do know that it is a grave situation, but we are a religious family, so that brings us a lot of peace no matter what happens.

He is still in the hospital across town waiting to have his colonoscopy repeated. It is fortunate that we live in Houston, so we have the opportunity for excellent care.

I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me a list of things that family members can do to be more helpful.

What do you think are the most important dos and do nots?