My Dad was diagnosed with liver cancer over 12 months ago. He also has cirrhosis. He had a liver resection which we were told had been successful and he recovered well. My Dad then started losing his appetite and having a horrible taste in mouth, has anyone else experienced this around the taste and how to manage it? Despite this he was given the all clear after his first scan in December but then his health steadily declined, he stopped eating properly and became very poorly. Kept being told his symptoms were unrelated. He ended up in hospital with acute kidney injury stage 3 and a stomach infection caused by a clot in the portal vein post surgery and early stage recurrent liver cancer. Due to his liver being decompensated and not coping properly they have indicated that no treatment is likely to be possible and we waiting for the dreaded news to be communicated to us next weds. This outcome has also been presumed by doctors caring for him. We are all devastated and no idea around prognosis yet but it isn't looking good. We were due to go on a cruise together with his young grandkids in 4 weeks, can this still be possible? Has anyone got advice around insurers to use? How can they fluid in his stomach be managed more effectively?
I she also researched immunotherapy (using cells from umbilical cord), after having a first chat with them they have said that this could help improve his symptoms making him more comfortable and may extend his life. This is likely to be costly upto 20k. Has anyone got experience of using this, has it helped? Does it help even with a decompensated liver? I am desperate to help my Dad, I am completely devastated and heartbroken, I love him so much. Please can someone help with my questions
Hello SupportingDad2403
I am really sorry to hear that Dad was diagnosed with liver cancer last year. I understand that this must be a difficult time for your family.
I hope that the appointment on Wednesday goes as well as it can and brings some clarification about what can be done to help Dad. I wonder if it is worth sitting with Dad and coming up with a list of questions to ask at the appointment? I know that in the past this has helped me- my mind tends to go a bit blank in appointments.
You could also discuss with the consultant about the planned holiday. It sounds a lovely plan to go together and spend time as a family.
This link is some info about travel insurance that may help.
Cancer and buying travel insurance | Macmillan Cancer Support
I do not know about the immunotherapy unfortunately but would suggest talking this through with his consultant on Wednesday. You are also welcome to call the Support Line and talk to one of the nurses about it. The details are below.
Lastly how are you doing? It can be really tough to support someone with a cancer diagnosis and I hope that you have plenty of support around you. We do have another forum that may help.
(+) Family and friends of people with cancer forum | Macmillan Online Community
I hope this helps and good luck for Wednesday. In the meantime we are here if you need us.
Jane
