Liver cancer diagnosis recently - scared witless

Hi Mark,

I'm sorry to hear about your liver cancer, but please take heart in the fact that your lesion is only 3 cm. If you can, and that's easier said than done, try and look ahead and keep some hope; we are where we are and cannot turn the clock back. Try and change your mindset and not be consumed by the NHS failure; I can assure you that your prognosis is not as bleak as you think. I am 79 years old; my lesion is 8/9 cm, and they discovered another last month about 1.4 cm. It's been 2 years and 8 months since I was diagnosed, and I am still here taking one day at a time, doing things with my family, in particular my grandchildren, and involved in renovating a "Citroen DS 23 Pallas," nearly finished (Google it! It's beautiful. I also listen to my music. Music is my world: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Bob Marley, Leonard Cohen, and lots of classical (Beethoven & Schubert are my favorites). Also French music & African music 

I am Chedly, 79 years old. I was diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2022. I was told the tumor is 8/9 cm, so I was given radiotherapy; it did not work, so I was prescribed immunotherapy, which did not start until April 2023 and lasted until December 2024, when I was told it had done its job; it was no more effective. Then in February of this year I was put on chemotherapy in the form of tablets; I take 2 a day. The side effects are not nice, in particular tiredness and lack of energy, and some days I feel low, which I cope with by listening to my music

When diagnosed with this cancer on the 1st of November 2022, I was told it is incurable & inoperable and it will be managed to the best of their ability. I remember the words the professor heading my team said to me:
"I will keep you alive as long as possible and as comfortable as possible." It made me smile! To be honest, I could not ask for more. 

Finally, may I suggest to you very strongly to ask your oncologist to refer you to counseling? You are entitled to it. I was referred to a lady from McMillan and had 10 sessions of some 45 minutes. I can tell you it was the best you can do; it is priceless and will make a difference to the way you feel. PLEASE SEE A COUNSELOR; IT IS FREE and will give you peace of mind and most of all HOPE. Let me know how you go, my friend, and don't despair.

Chedly 

Hi Chedly,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to write to me and offer some comfort - it's invaluable, believe me. I haven't given up hope yet, and just writing my earlier missive was therapeutic, in and of itself, just getting it out there and off my chest! 

I'm seeing the surgeon and CNS this coming Wednesday for me second meeting now all the scans/bloods are done (my own personal D-Day), and have been telling myself to expect the worst, whilst hoping for better 

I'll also definitely be speaking to my local Macmillan team at the local hospital (I'm already in contact with them) and will follow your advice re counselling, which I hadn't seriously considered until you mentioned it.

Again, thank you for reaching out and best wishes to you, too.

Mark