Recommendations for stage 4/liver mets

[supportingsister]

Hello,
My sister 45 was diagnosed with stage 2b colon cancer in 2011. In 2015, she has hipec and was disease free until feb 2018 when a new tumor developed in her colon and 2 liver mets. They did a second resection and abalation. First scan was clear, but repeat last week showed 5 small liver mets. Dr is ready to give up, my sister is not. We’d like to get a second opinion and maybe third. Looking for recommendations. My sister is in Massachusetts and currently treated at MGM.

Thank you!

[plastikos]

Hi. Try to get into a major cancer center like MSK or MDA. Try looking into SIRT (Y90), immunothsrapy or even just a new chemo regimen. Lots of options. Good luck.

[stu]

Hi ,
Great advise to get another opinion . That’s exactly what happened to my mum. She had a second recurrence with five small mets . The biggest was around I cm. Our positive spin was that the tumour load was considerably smaller than before . However the oncologist was not keen to refer her to a surgeon . So , so glad we carried on regardless as that was seven years ago and the surgeon removed over 73% of her liver . I suspect she had a lot more disease by that stage as he compassionately said “ we found what we expected ... cancer “ and quickly moved the conversation on . Seven years later it’s still clear .
Follow your instincts,
Stu

[Foggyocean]

Hi, I agree your sister should not give up! We are in Mass. too and my husband was at MGH (is that what you meant?). Once he had a liver recurrence, we sought a 2nd opinion with Dr. Kemeny at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. If your sister is willing to travel, I would HIGHLY recommend she get a second opinion there. My husband received the HAI pump which delivers chemo directly to the liver. He is currently NED for the 2nd time. During active treatment we travelled to NYC once a month for treatment down there and were able to have his HAI pump and systemic chemo locally at Lahey in Burlington. (MGH doesn't have the staff or equipment to service the HAI pump). PM me with any questions. If your sister's doc is giving up, it sounds like she needs a new doctor!

[VeggieLvr]

Hi, I agree your sister should not give up! We are in Mass. too and my husband was at MGH (is that what you meant?). Once he had a liver recurrence, we sought a 2nd opinion with Dr. Kemeny at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. If your sister is willing to travel, I would HIGHLY recommend she get a second opinion there. My husband received the HAI pump which delivers chemo directly to the liver. He is currently NED for the 2nd time. During active treatment we travelled to NYC once a month for treatment down there and were able to have his HAI pump and systemic chemo locally at Lahey in Burlington. (MGH doesn't have the staff or equipment to service the HAI pump). PM me with any questions. If your sister's doc is giving up, it sounds like she needs a new doctor!

Completely agree with Foggyocean - I am a Dr. Kemeny patient and I have multiple liver mets. I am scheduled to get the pump next week. MSK is a great place, they do everything they can for their patients.

[mpbser]

My husband also goes to MGH and "is" Stage 4 with 1 met to the liver that was surgically removed a few months ago. He probably has the same doctors as your sister as there is only one liver surgeon and one colorectal oncologist who specializes in liver cancer. I'm very surprised to hear that they are ready to throw in the towel. That doesn't seem at all like what I would expect from them. Were you at the appointment? This could just be your sister's perception about the situation. I will be adding your sister to my prayers.

[supportingsister]

Thank you. I’ve given her the information about Dr. Kemeny. Fingered-crossed that she makes an appointment. I’m extremely disappointed mgh didn’t even mention the possibility of a HAI pump, I did some research and it seems like a good option. My sister is not on this board, but anybody would be willing to answer questions, please pm with your email. Mine is elizakirk@gmail.com.


Thank you,
Elizabeth