Danette
New User
Joined: 08 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Missouri
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject: My Dad's rare case--Anyone else like him? |
 |
|
My dad is 69, has diabetes controlled w/oral meds, and Dec. 2007, was diagnosed with malignant portal vein thrombosis. After PET & CT scans, MRI's, and unsuccessful attempts to biopsy the mass to determine origin of cancer, has no other diagnosis. Surgeon reports that he is not a surgical candidate, nor can a biopsy be taken safely. Chemo or radiation are only helpful if they know what kind of cancer they are dealing with. Based on symptoms of ascites, diarrhea, fatigue and blood work, Oncologist is 90% sure he has hepatocellular caricoma, however 2 tumor makers for that are still not present. 10% chance that it is cancer from small intestine that has mestatized to the portal vein and now the liver. They call it Stage III cancer.
Oncologist did try an oral chemo drug just FDA approved for liver cancer last fall, Nexavar. He took it for 22 days, and doc ceased treatment due to extreme foot and hand pain, with ulcers on feet, almost too painful to walk. Diarrhea increased and weight loss of 15 pounds in <month.
He is now seeking 3rd and beyond opinions, and oncologist did say he would welcome a 3rd opinion early on, because my dad's case presented as something they never see.
Anyone else out there ever experienced this progression of their cancer, and has anyone found a treatment that could send it into remission??
Anyone good information would be greatly appreciated!
Gratefully,
Dan's Daughter |
|
johns
New User
Joined: 12 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 11:27 am Post subject: Re: My Dad's rare case--Anyone else like him? |
|
|
Hello, Danette!
I am so sorry to hear about your father. It is not easy to fight the cancer but with the new available treatments, there is hope for a few more months, sometimes years, of life. Have you considered seeing an interventional radiologist? At this point, I think this would be the best option your father might have. As far as I know, in stage 3, palliative treatment is recommended. This type of treatment will just slow the progression of the disease. After a detailed assessment of your father's condition, I think an interventional radiologist would be able to appreciate if your father is a good candidate for directed liver therapy. I wish you all the best.
Johns |
|
Search 
Email Digests
Register to post
Profile 
Check private messages 
Log in
What is this ?
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here. All content and posts are copyright.
