The Oncologist at a top London Hospital says that due to the ascites ( fluid) that my liver is pumping out he does not recommend continuing with the Lenvatinib medication even though this drug has been effective in the past to keep the cancer in check. The fluid in my tummy is very uncomfortable. Any ideas ?
Hi PaulK,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community. I’m Lorna one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the support line.
I see from your profile that you have joined the liver cancer forum. I do hope you have found this to be a great source of support and information.
I’m sorry to hear that your Consultant has decided that the Lenvatinib you have been having to treat your liver cancer is no longer benefiting you due to your ascites.
Ascites can be a symptom of many types of cancer. It can develop when cancer cells irritate the lining of the tummy causing it to make too much fluid. Lymph nodes can also become blocked and can result in fluid not draining properly. Sometimes a cancer can cause the pressure to rise in nearby blood vessels, forcing fluid out too. If the liver is damaged at all, and can’t make proteins, fluid can also leak out into the tummy.
One of the side affects you can experience taking Lenvatinib is also a build-up fluid, it can also impact on how our bodies work, which in turn may contribute to the ascites. This may have been some of the reasons your Consultant decided to stop this drug.
Unfortunately, as we don’t have access to medical records, we’re unable to comment on individual cases. However, it does sound as though you would benefit from talking to your Oncology team again.
When you are making decisions about treatments, it’s important that you understand all the information you are given. You can ask questions about anything you do not understand and what treatment they would recommend for the symptoms that are making you feel uncomfortable. You may also want to ask them what other treatments are available to you now.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us
Best wishes and take care,
Lorna (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or webchat.
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