Liver Cancer (My Mom) RIP 9/12/2019

Shane,

Stay positive. I have liver cancer that metastasized from my colon. While not curable, it is treated and controlled through medication. I have been on chemo since last July. The liver cancer is what they call stable', not increasing or decreasing much in size. They tell me I can can go many (whatever that means) years with chemo every couple of weeks. I'm also an old fart (75) so it's more of a challenge for me. I learned the hard way that it's critical for her to watch her weight and keep hydrated. It's easy to lose a bunch of weight quickly if it gets ahead of you.

I don't know where you are but I'd suggest getting the best GI Medical Oncologist you can find. My treatments started at Sloan Kettering in New York and I just transferred to Duke Cancer Center in Durham. It is a PIA as it's three hours each way but I figure it's worth it.

PM me if you would like any specific info I can offer, my Doctor's name, etc.

And, again, stay positive.

Jack
 
Good news for now friends. Mom is in route to home. I'm getting ready to load her up and take her home. Blood pressure is finally leveled out and her neck port, and nuclear scan we're done today. Liver biopsy results should be back Thursday or Friday, and then the plan of attack will be put forth. One of her biggest problems coming in was blood pressure, upon arrival it was 212/182, stroke zone. Problem is, she was on blood pressure meds to raise her pressure, and they couldn't just take her off, so it took days to regulate, and they couldn't do much with the blood pressure so high. So, for at least the rest of the week, she will be home. She's put on 5 pounds since Thursday, so bang, good deal.
Thank you so much everyone, even though I know the chemo is gonna make for some more rough days, for now, she's feeling better. Thanks again. She's had a small army praying/wishing/pulling for her.

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Praying. Going through similar with MIL, though hers is the second round (metastasis) after ~10 years.
 
I know it's a late update, but here it is.
This whole ordeal with my Mom has been a roller coaster ride. Her earlier breast cancer metastasized to her liver, causing the liver cancer. The chemo worked well, but it's been a constant problem with her blood pressure getting regulated and stable. They have done everything they can, but the cancer has caused pseudo cirrhosis, which has damaged even more of her liver. The percentage of damage of the cancer was around 60%, and now she's not responding to any treatments, plus she's putting on so much fluid in her abdomen, they had to put a catheter in her stomach so she can be drained at home. There's just not enough healthy liver there. She's been in and out of the hospital this whole time (since March), on meds to keep her ammonia levels in check, plus a plethora of other meds trying to see if she could get healthier and stronger. She was back in the hospital again for about a week and a half until last Sunday. Hospice transported her home, and has her set up now just to stay comfortable, there's just nothing more than can do. They have given her best case 2-3 months, worst case 3-4 weeks. So now, I am working, (and work has been insanely busy) trying to get to her house to help my sister, who takes care of our mom, our grandfather (my mom's 88 yo Dad), and try and plan for a funeral. Stress is at a premium right now. I did have her here a month ago, June 5th weekend, and she walked out to our deck in my backyard, sat in the covered swing, I put a shop fan on her, and she sat for about 2 1/2 hours just chillin and talking with Kelly and I. She told me that Sunday when I took her home, that that was the best day she's had in a very long time. It's the little things that mean so much to some, that some wouldn't think much about. I'm sorry for the long post, and I'm sure some stuff probably runs together or doesn't, but I'm a little scatter brained right now.
 
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We'll keep her and your family in our thoughts and prayers sir.
 
Sorry to hear this. We went through a similar thing with my MIL. Just be there for her and give her the best time you can. Some of my wife’s best talks and memories of her Mon came in the last weeks. It will be difficult, but listen and enjoy your time.
 
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I'll keep you all in my prayers, and will be hoping she will be comfortable and peaceful.
 
I know it's a late update, but here it is.
This whole ordeal with my Mom has been a roller coaster ride. Her earlier breast cancer metastasized to her liver, causing the liver cancer. The chemo worked well, but it's been a constant problem with her blood pressure getting regulated and stable. They have done everything they can, but the cancer has caused pseudo cirrhosis, which has damaged even more of her liver. The percentage of damage of the cancer was around 60%, and now she's not responding to any treatments, plus she's putting on so much fluid in her abdomen, they had to put a catheter in her stomach so she can be drained at home. There's just not enough healthy liver there. She's been in and out of the hospital this whole time (since March), on meds to keep her ammonia levels in check, plus a plethora of other meds trying to see if she could get healthier and stronger. She was back in the hospital again for about a week and a half until last Sunday. Hospice transported her home, and has her set up now just to stay comfortable, there's just nothing more than can do. They have given her best case 2-3 months, worst case 3-4 weeks. So now, I am working, (and work has been insanely busy) trying to get to her house to help my sister, who takes care of our mom, our grandfather (my mom's 88 yo Dad), and try and plan for a funeral. Stress is at a premium right now. I did have her here a month ago, June 5th weekend, and she walked out to our deck in my backyard, sat in the covered swing, I put a shop fan on her, and she sat for about 2 1/2 hours just chillin and talking with Kelly and I. She told me that Sunday when I took her home, that that was the best day she's had in a very long time. It's the little things that mean so much to some, that some wouldn't think much about. I'm sorry for the long post, and I'm sure some stuff probably runs together or doesn't, but I'm a little scatter brained right now.
I'll keep y'all in my prayers. My FIL is currently in the hospital with liver failure. He picked up a secondary infection and if the antibiotics don't knock it out he probably won't last a week. I feel for you. God bless.
 
We will continue to pray for you and your family's peace and comfort. Remember brother I'm close by if you need anything, dont hesitate to ask.
 
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I know it's a late update, but here it is.
This whole ordeal with my Mom has been a roller coaster ride. Her earlier breast cancer metastasized to her liver, causing the liver cancer. The chemo worked well, but it's been a constant problem with her blood pressure getting regulated and stable. They have done everything they can, but the cancer has caused pseudo cirrhosis, which has damaged even more of her liver. The percentage of damage of the cancer was around 60%, and now she's not responding to any treatments, plus she's putting on so much fluid in her abdomen, they had to put a catheter in her stomach so she can be drained at home. There's just not enough healthy liver there. She's been in and out of the hospital this whole time (since March), on meds to keep her ammonia levels in check, plus a plethora of other meds trying to see if she could get healthier and stronger. She was back in the hospital again for about a week and a half until last Sunday. Hospice transported her home, and has her set up now just to stay comfortable, there's just nothing more than can do. They have given her best case 2-3 months, worst case 3-4 weeks. So now, I am working, (and work has been insanely busy) trying to get to her house to help my sister, who takes care of our mom, our grandfather (my mom's 88 yo Dad), and try and plan for a funeral. Stress is at a premium right now. I did have her here a month ago, June 5th weekend, and she walked out to our deck in my backyard, sat in the covered swing, I put a shop fan on her, and she sat for about 2 1/2 hours just chillin and talking with Kelly and I. She told me that Sunday when I took her home, that that was the best day she's had in a very long time. It's the little things that mean so much to some, that some wouldn't think much about. I'm sorry for the long post, and I'm sure some stuff probably runs together or doesn't, but I'm a little scatter brained right now.[/QUOT
My pra
I know it's a late update, but here it is.
This whole ordeal with my Mom has been a roller coaster ride. Her earlier breast cancer metastasized to her liver, causing the liver cancer. The chemo worked well, but it's been a constant problem with her blood pressure getting regulated and stable. They have done everything they can, but the cancer has caused pseudo cirrhosis, which has damaged even more of her liver. The percentage of damage of the cancer was around 60%, and now she's not responding to any treatments, plus she's putting on so much fluid in her abdomen, they had to put a catheter in her stomach so she can be drained at home. There's just not enough healthy liver there. She's been in and out of the hospital this whole time (since March), on meds to keep her ammonia levels in check, plus a plethora of other meds trying to see if she could get healthier and stronger. She was back in the hospital again for about a week and a half until last Sunday. Hospice transported her home, and has her set up now just to stay comfortable, there's just nothing more than can do. They have given her best case 2-3 months, worst case 3-4 weeks. So now, I am working, (and work has been insanely busy) trying to get to her house to help my sister, who takes care of our mom, our grandfather (my mom's 88 yo Dad), and try and plan for a funeral. Stress is at a premium right now. I did have her here a month ago, June 5th weekend, and she walked out to our deck in my backyard, sat in the covered swing, I put a shop fan on her, and she sat for about 2 1/2 hours just chillin and talking with Kelly and I. She told me that Sunday when I took her home, that that was the best day she's had in a very long time. It's the little things that mean so much to some, that some wouldn't think much about. I'm sorry for the long post, and I'm sure some stuff probably runs together or doesn't, but I'm a little scatter brained right now.
I am so sorry, prayers for you and your family.
 
Sorry to hear about this. If you need us, we are here. And please, make sure you are getting thorough evals from your Dr. We men are dumb about stuff like that.
 
Sorry to hear that Stick. I can't imagine what you are going through. Chin up brother. We're thinking of you for what it's worth.
 
Ok, so, how about some (can't explain news).
Last week, mom went from us literally not knowing if she was gonna make it another day, non verbal, not opening eyes, no eating or drinking, etc, to now walking (slowly), eating and drinking, talking, going to the bathroom, etc. WTF, lol. Hospice nurse came in and she was in the glider chair in the living room eating some peach cobbler Kelly made her. Lady stopped in her tracks, and just stood speechless for a few. No meds, no pain (except for the fluid that builds in the abdomen), nada. Great news on that end, but their car blew a hole in the intake Friday when my sister was leaving for the store. So, now no car, haha. I just have to laugh to keep from crying, lol. Now I'm on the lookout for a cheap ride to get them by. Mom and grandpa have Dr. appointment's in a couple weeks, so time is not on my side. Anyway, great news for now.

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@Stick Man , what Billy said. Glad to hear that mom is doing better. Holler if we can help.
 
Thanks guys. It's been an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions. I mean, the hospice nurse really told us a few days to a week, and now she's up and rolling along. I had already made funeral arrangements, the whole nine, taking off work again to be out there every day, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she's doing better, but man, talk about one extreme to the other. And my sister, damn, she's been a rock star through all this. She quit her job to stay home and see her through her transition. The only thing her doctor's can kinda come up with, is that before, she was on around 13-15 pills a day, and they think that much stuff was taxing what little bit of good liver she had, working hard to process all the meds. Then, when they sent her home, they stopped everything except some pain meds to keep her comfortable, then when she couldn't really drink anything anymore, they put her on liquid morphine, dropped in between her teeth and gum. So, they think that maybe after stopping all the meds, it just took awhile for her to come around a little, and what little bit of good liver she has, is able to work for her a little better, not having to process all the meds. Now, she will not get well, her liver is too damaged, but maybe if they can keep her off all the other stuff, she can feel a bit better for whatever time she has left, and be in the moment so to speak. Thanks again to everyone offering their prayers, thoughts, helping me in anyway you can. I really appreciate it. This is far from over, but I'm gonna take whatever extra time we can get, and run with it. I'm gonna make a little bucket list and see what we can achieve.
 
Well friends, I am sad to report Mom passed last night at 1:10 am. She was in the hospital, and as of Tuesday afternoon, she started really struggling for air. She had started declining quickly on Friday, and really took a slide down Tuesday. Her blood work was really bad, pulse rate was gettingg as low as 23 bpm, and last bp reading was 72/48. She was tired, and ready. She was comfortable, and that's all I could ask for. I really cherished the last couple weeks when she made her last hoorah, and being able to talk to her and share more time. This all started from breast cancer. Please guys, have your wives/g/f's/daughters, etc get the girls checked. She was having hers regularly, but they missed one little spot, and never saw it until they opened her up. Less than 5 years later, she's gone.
Hug your loved ones tight tonight/tomorrow, and let them know you love them. This shit happened way too fast.
Shane.

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Well friends, I am sad to report Mom passed last night at 1:10 am. She was in the hospital, and as of Tuesday afternoon, she started really struggling for air. She had started declining quickly on Friday, and really took a slide down Tuesday. Her blood work was really bad, pulse rate was gettingg as low as 23 bpm, and last bp reading was 72/48. She was tired, and ready. She was comfortable, and that's all I could ask for. I really cherished the last couple weeks when she made her last hoorah, and being able to talk to her and share more time. This all started from breast cancer. Please guys, have your wives/g/f's/daughters, etc get the girls checked. She was having hers regularly, but they missed one little spot, and never saw it until they opened her up. Less than 5 years later, she's gone.
Hug your loved ones tight tonight/tomorrow, and let them know you love them. This shit happened way too fast.
Shane.

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I’m sorry for your loss bud, I dread the day I go through it. You and your family are in my thoughts, I wish you well in this time of mourning
 
Saddened by your loss, but uplifted by your dedication to her and continuing care for the family. May God welcome her to her new home and provide peace and comfort for y'all left to carry on.
 
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