Dads cancer is back, im terrified.

I sure did Wizzle21 I was shaking my way through a couple of years to be truthful . However that sounds quite positive .

My mum had 73% removed . It was a big hit and they did have to get creative around the major blood supply as a tumour was abutting it . However they did a great job . 
As long as you prepare from them to take their time and rest after surgery to allow their body to heal it worked out ok . The liver does start to regenerate reasonably quickly . Although self care returned quite quickly I would say she still needed a lot of rest . Six months down the line it was much more manageable . That was back in 2010 and the liver has not only remained clear but functions well .

The way I handled fear was to try and live in each day . I would get up in the morning and say what is required of me today and follow through . Not tomorrow. One day at a time . A patient told me to keep my head where my body was . Not allowing my mind to go to back outcomes . Some days were more successful than others . But I tried again the next day .

How did you dad feel about the consultation? Is it something he wants to pursue ?

You did really well . These meetings are tough . You got through it together !

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Court, thankyou, i think my dad is obviously worried (which probably dosnt help matters when i busrt into tears in front of him but its so emotionally draining even to be a by stander) he came out with "ive done it before (meaning his bowel cancer op) i can do it again" which was great to hear, he then cracked jokes about having liver and onions for tea..... Hmmmm! It did generate me a smile through my tears though, however, im not sure how he is behind closed doors. 

Next time i feel scared i shall think of your comments for one day at a time as that sounds like a very good plan as i really could do with a coping mechanism.

Im also so very glad to hear the success story re your mum and her liver cancer op, it gives a little more faith. Dad only has the one area of "C" in his liver that they can see at the moment so i guess thats a good sign (so to speak) if you dont mind me asking how old was your mum when she had her liver op? Is she still going strong now.....

Ps on a plus note from myself,  after today ive signed up for my very first "Race for life" im not the fittest person but i feel this is my way of helping to make a difference for what my dad is going through.

Fingers crossed my dad gets good scan results back and like your mum, thay can sort him out, its tough and each day seems harder but i guess weve got to climb the mountains to get to where we need to be, the main part i guess is never to give in, I'll let you know how we go.  Xx

Hi ,

Good on your dad . Whilst my mum was impacted for longer than her bowel surgery she found it more comfortable than trying to get her bowel working again post op so that’s a plus. 

Mu mum had her second liver resection back in 2010 . She was 69 at the time . She continues to do well as does her liver and it has remained clear .

She was out selecting plants for her garden today !

Good on you . I think charities are going to need all the help they can get over the next few years .

A great effort . It’s hard not to be emotional but you do actually start to gain a little strength , needs must really and you find a little strength .

take care ,

Court 

Hi Court.

My dads had the PET scan and now has to go for an MRI with contrast, both dates for the scans have been fairly quick which i guess again is good news. His letter though for the MRI says in brackets "prima visit" do you know what this means? Cause we havnt a clue if it means something or nothing so not sure what to think. Thank you. Xx

I think it’s an “imagining “ or “photograph “ term . Relating to the MRI . I think . It’s never come up before . Maybe someone out there knows more . 
Certainly nothing to worry about .

Court 

Thank you Court. Xx

Hi Court. My dad had his scans done and now im more scared than i was before. Dad is going to have (his choice) a liver resection of 75% in one go along with loosing 2 of his main blood vessels that supply his liver in the process. We were told that the risks were "very high" for liver failure. Im beyond devistated, and im struggling. Were waiting for a date now for his op but you can imagine everything running though my head right now. I need some major positivity but i just cant seem to dig deep enough to find any. I know you went through all this with your mum. How did you find it? Where did you find your your strengh? And how was your mum through it all?.Thanks Wizzle. Xx

Hi Wizzle21

I remember that consultation as though it was yesterday . It was an incredibly difficult day and I think if I am honest I felt a bit unhinged until after the operation . However a strength and peace did settle the day before . This was the way forward and it felt more calming . 

I did consider what would happen if the operation proved too big a hit for her as they did go through how that process would work out . But I reasoned she would potentially be unaware of it and years later my mum informed me she has very little post op memories anyway as she was on so many meds . That’s amazed me as the image is ingrained in my mind and it kind of allowed me to let go of them knowing that . Her not being in pain or aware were high on my list and I made a few discrete inquiries as to how that would play out . 

I knew it was a risk but I also knew it was a life changing opportunity.

My mum left a little napkin folded on the bottom of her bed and said she would be back to use it . We said goodbye like any other day and set our faces to the task . After it was all over I felt drained ! 
In the middle of it all my son had his leaving ceremony from primary school . They were doing a collection for cancer research. I was not prepared for that and for a moment tears sprung to my eyes !

However twelve years to the very week I will be going to his graduation and his granny will be coming for photos .

All we ever have is hope ! Think on the potential for good it can do . They would not operate if they thought it did not have that potential, that opportunity to bring him to a curative position . That thought carried me though .

It’s a situation with so many anxious and stressful junctures . But we are here for you and your dad and it helped to focus my mind to consider the good this surgery had brought into other families lives . Hard as it was it was also the last day cancer was found in my mum’s liver . 
I think you will find it will suddenly swing into action and the speed not only takes you aback but carries you through . It will be getting scheduled in very quickly .

Here if you need a chat .

Take special care ,

Court 

Thanks Court. I think at the moment i could constantly do with chatting, i seem to be in tears most days as the minute, its so hard. I understand that dad now has some more tests next week in prep for the operation so things are moving and while thats kind of good news i somewhat feel a little selfish wanting the waiting period for the op to drag out just so that i get that little bit more time with him before the operation when i will have to take a step back and only watch the outcome. Im hoping (and praying) that i wil be blessed like yourself and have my dad around for some years to come once this is all over ..... You and your mum must both be such strong people and im so glad your on here for me to be able to chat with as it makes a hige difference been able to just speak to someone whos been through the excact same feelings and process. Xx

The liver is quite astonishing. I’ve managed 3 liver resections and one portal vein embolisation and the liver has regrown each time. The liver function  blood test scores were back to near normal within months. The operations themselves seemed less draining than the original bowel op, and they gave me the chance to meet my seventh and eighth grandchildren!  I hope that with a positive outlook your dad will astonish you with his recovery - the surgeons must believe in your dad to proceed.