Here we go. Recurrence.

[plastikos]

Hate to be a downer but I need some advice and some support as well. Chemo ended in June 2015, a PET-CT in July was clear but my liver MRI yesterday showed 2 new liver lesions that weren't seen in a liver MRI from Feb (when I was still doing chemo). Just when I was feeling like my life was back to normal. Seeing my onc and liver surgeon tomorrow. For those who've experienced this what advice would you give? What's the next step? Tell me this can be beaten.

[peanut_8]

Sorry to hear about your recurrence. Have you thought about HAI therapy? Here is a overview for anyone interested: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921035/

peanut

[plastikos]

Sorry to hear about your recurrence. Have you thought about HAI therapy? Here is a overview for anyone interested: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921035/

peanut

I have thought of it. Even during chemo. Its not available in the country where I live (Philippines) though as far as I know. Will bring it up with my onc. My only concern is that if I have it done in another country I might not see my wife and 2 young kids for an extended period of time. If anyone has any personal experience or leads regarding centers in Asia that have significant experience and good results (low complications) with HAI it would be much appreciated.

[cathy123]

Just want to say I am so sorry you are dealing with recurrence so quickly. Sending prayers your way.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you're dealing with a recurrence.*hugs* I wish you the best.*hugs*

[stu]

Hi,
It is so disappointing when you feel you are moving forward. This did happen to my mum. She had six cycles of chemo then a liver resection, then a quick recurrence with a further four mets in the liver. Another six cycles of chemo then a more extensive liver resection and has been treatment free for four years. Hold on tight and get a good plan in place.
Much love
Stu

[janderson]

I think you have to look at it as more of a chronic disease as I have learned to do. I fully know what you are going through. I was NED 3 times only for it to come back in the liver 3 times and how my chest wall. But there is hope. The end of this month will mark my 10 year cancerversary. Stage IV the entire 10 years. Always try for surgery first. It is still the gold standard. I was able to have 3 liver resections. Since then cancer showed up in my liver for the 4th time which I had treated with y90 first followed by cryo ablation. There was a spot below my liver which I did SBRT on. I also did cryo on one of the chestwall lesions and a small lung lesion. I just recently had surgery again but this time to remove 2 ribs and I have done about 70 rounds of chemo. Its not an easy road but it is better than the alternative. Please PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk/vent/cry. We all need to talk/vent/and cry at times.

[Nik Colon]

You could look into places that pay for having to travel, extended stays, etc. So sorry, best wishes

[plastikos]

Hi,
It is so disappointing when you feel you are moving forward. This did happen to my mum. She had six cycles of chemo then a liver resection, then a quick recurrence with a further four mets in the liver. Another six cycles of chemo then a more extensive liver resection and has been treatment free for four years. Hold on tight and get a good plan in place.
Much love
Stu

Hi Stu, thanks for the encouragement. If you dont mind me asking, what chemo regimens did your mother undergo? Thanks.

[plastikos]

Thank you all for the replies

[elise]

I would aim for resection again if it's at all possible. If resection isn't possible, I'd aim for HAI. Otherwise try to find a chemo regimen that works for you. But really, I'd aim for resection as soon as possible.

Elise

[shade]

Terrible news. I am so sorry. I agree with Elise to look at surgical options first. People on this forum strongly recommend the HAI but it isn't a practicable option for many due to cost, geography, family, etc. I hope surgery is an option for you. If not, your providers may have other ideas. Let us know.

[chrisca]

Recurrence sucks. So far I've avoided it. You might ask the doc about adding saffron to your diet. Here's an article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233190.php.

Liver cancer's not the same as colon cancer that's spread to the liver. That said, I've taken a turmeric capsule with two saffron threads added to it every day since I was treated. So far, so good. I did not have any liver mets though, I just did this as insurance.

[stu]

Hi.
No problem at all. We are in the UK so it remained the same combination as the first time. Oxalaplatin intravenously. Then capacitabien orally for two weeks. Nothing different except a reduced dose which achieved the same shrinkage as the full dose but the side effects were much reduced.
We reasoned that it could easily have been part of the original spread of micro disease that was just now becoming visible . Being visible it was removable. Maybe just a mind game but it took her through the process and to a prolonged period to good living.
I wish you every success getting the right plan for you.
Kind regards
Stu

[plastikos]

Just an update. Going in for a chest CT tomorrow. If its clear I am scheduled for a liver resection next week.