Stage 4 liver cancer with metastasis

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My dear mother who has been fighting various cancers over the last 6 years or so including a liver resection to remove a large tumour last year and a melanoma and lymph nodes removed in the same year. Last week she has been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer which has also spread to her lymph nodes. She has been given a time frame of 13 months. We are devastated, she is only 73.

Mum remains defiant and wants to fight it, she’s not ready to die yet! Despite my father and brother remaining down in the dumps I have taken on my usual role in the family and raise the positivity levels and look for a proactive and pragmatic approach to helping mum. 

I have already asked her consultant for a second opinion from a specialist liver cancer hospital nearby as I feel they may have a better treatment plan than chemo and immunotherapy. I have found that histotripsy treatment can be very helpful in managing the cancers but is difficult to get referral in the uk. 

I am getting some counselling to help deal with my emotions as I want to remain strong and positive so we can enjoy what time we have left but I am also determined for my mum to have as good a quality of life as she can for as long as possible. 

Any advice would be much appreciated from anyone about pushing for advanced treatments for an amazing mother and Nanna who lives the world she lives in and wants to stay!

  • Hi Seafarer,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear your mother’s diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver Cancer with Lymph Node metastases. This must be an extremely worrying time for you all as a family.

    I am glad to know that you have reached out for counselling services in order to deal with your emotions.

    We are unable to go into the specifics of your mother’s case as we do not have access to her hospital records or test results. However, we are happy to discuss further in general terms.

    Whilst your mother has been given a prognosis of 13 months, we must remember that this is not an exact science and is based on many factors. Many people will exceed their prognosis whilst others may fall short of this.

    Stage 4 liver cancer is also described as advanced cancer. This means that the treatment intent is no longer to cure but to control the cancer, relieve any symptoms and give good quality of life.

    Treatment options for stage 4 liver cancer usually involves targeted cancer drugs or immunotherapy. You could also ask the consultant if there is a suitable clinical trial.

    We encourage people to explore their treatment options with their healthcare team.

    Histotripsy is not widely available in the UK. Again, the cancer team looking after your mother as best placed to advise if this is an option.

    It may also be an idea to ask for a referral to the Palliative Care team. They can advise on what support may be available locally and can also help with symptom control.

    The British Liver Trust and Guts UK are also good sources of information and support going forward.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    David,

    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.

     

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