What to expect? We are lost!

MAFINOKC · New User Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

I will try to keep this short. About a month ago my mom was complaining of feeling full, getting sick, bloated, losing weight. After a month of tests, the doctors found out that she had a "mass" near her uterus. Surgery was the option to take this out and while the doctors had her open, a hysterectomy was also to be done. Fast Forward.. She had the surgery a few days ago. Hysterectomy was done, the tumor was taken out which was about the size of a SMALL watermelon, was just behind the uterus and was pressing on her kidneys. Ok, the tumor was malignant, the doctor said he did feel little areas in her colon area which is cancer as well and he took a little sample of a small cancerous area off her liver. These samples were sent to a pathologist. The results came back which stated that the cancer seems to have orginated in the appendix (which was taken out as well) or probably the colon. Everything looks like it is malignant. My brother and I took the doctor aside the other day and this is what he told us. He stated that she needed to see a specialist in this area, an oncologist I believe.. I asked him what was the extent of the cancer. He did not give me a timeline which I understand, he did state that there is cancer in the colon and when I asked him about the liver he stated that he could "feel" cancer spots in her liver when he had her open for surgery?? Is this possible? He said there is 3 reasons to start treatment, one to cure the cancer which is not possible for my mom and to either prolong life or help with symptoms which both are what my mom will be facing. Now, what should my family expect? I would really like an honest answer or atleast a clue of what might be ahead of us?? PLEASE HELP!!

MAFINOKC · New User Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

We really could use some help in the direction we might be headed.. PLEASE!

ksplat · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: What to expect? We are lost!

Hi there,
I wanted to firstly acknowlege your post & tell you how sorry I am to hear about your Mom's diagnosis. My prayers & thoughts are with you all.
Secondly, I am not familiar with Liver Cancer but wanted to assure you that you will received support & information for yourself on this wonderful forum.
I can note the "urgency" in your request & trust you will have some comfort & support from a more knowledgeable member of this forum soon.
Don't despair, thinking of you.
Cheers Aussie Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

Queensland Girl · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:34 pm Post subject: Re: What to expect? We are lost!

Hello,

I'm very sorry to read about your Mum.

You should go to the oncologist as soon as possible as they will be able to advise all of the treatment options available. Above all else try and remain positive as your Mum will be scared - she may not say or show it though.

My Mum died of liver cancer and now my Father is dying of cancer as well, so all you can do is support her in whatever direction she wants to go.

Everyone here has been touched by cancer in some way, so don't think any question is too silly. We will try and help as best we can.

Queensland Girl

mybabiesbaby · Regular Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 31

First I would like to say that I understand exactly what you are feeling. My mother was diagnosed with liver cancer a few months ago and it really knocked the wind out of me. It is confusing, scary and you don't know which way to turn.

I believe that you said that your mom was diagnosed with cancer that originated in her appendix. Even though the doctors are saying that she may have cancer in her liver as well, it is not the primary source of the cancer.

I also agree that you need to get your mom to an oncologist ASAP. Ask all of the questions that you can think of. See what the Doctors recommendations are and follow through..It helps to go online and look up whatever the Dr tells my mother so that I can get a clearer understanding. Have the Dr. write down any medications or procedures that may be done because you can easily forget once you are home. It is quite overwhelming at first but continue being there for your mom. Try to go to all of her appointments with her so that you can follow her progress.

I was (and still) go online and google every and anything that pertained to my mothers illness, medications, procedures, symptoms, etc...Your mom's diet will probably change and there will be certain foods, spices etc that she may have to adjust or stop all together.

I can only give you information on liver cancer as it is what I am familiar with. Everyone is different when it comes to liver cancer. Some people may have symptoms that others do not. After a while you will be able to detect what your mom is feeling or what her needs are once you can identify what she is going through. For example, when my mom eats alot of ice I know that she is dehydrated and may have a bleed soon...or when she is scratching herself raw I know that her ammonia levels are high and she needs a specific medication to bind up the ammonia in her body...

I will pray for your mom and your family and I hope that I have given you a little understanding...
_________________
Donate Life
_________
~Evelyn

Mom has HEP C, Cirrhosis and HCC
Diagnosed with HCC July '07
Successful Liver Transplant on Jan. 19, 2008
Moms Story (Illness):
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6951

Moms Story (Transplant):
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8517

Ezzy · Regular Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 11

Hi,
Since the cancer seems to have originated in the appendix, it is highly likely that your mother has some type of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Most oncologists do not know how to treat this type cancer, but there are specialists out there. Did the biopsy results name the type of cancer?

My mother has mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix, and her cancer was found in a similar way to your mother. This type of cancer should not be initially treated with chemo, which is what most unknowledgeable oncologists will recommend. It needs to be treated with a debulking type surgery and with heated and unheated intraperitoneal chemo in the stomach cavity. Then you can do regular chemo. Try these links for more info:
http://www.pmpawareness.org/
http://www.aboutcancer.com/appendix_cancer.htm
http://www.dipex.org/community/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=93&whichpage=5
EZZY

MAFINOKC · New User Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Here is the latest... My mom had I think what is called a PET scan.. They found another tumor and also that the cancer has spread into her spine, both femurs and into her arm as well.. Very agressive.. She immediately had her first chemo treatment.. It really KNOCKED her out.. 2 days after she went back to the hospital and that is where I am now.. She has been in the hospital for about a week, severe dierriha, ALOT of pain in her back, neck and abdomen, no appetite and on all sorts of medication. Her bbody hurts when we simply touch her.. They began morphine for he pain a few days ago.. Helps a little but she sleeps all the time now.. She sees her primary doctor tomorrow to discuss the next step, I am thinking hospice?? Any other opinioins.. Very difficult to see her like this and she hates the fact that her kids are now having to take care of her..

wildyellowrose · New User Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 4

My best to you and your family, I know what you are going through, my husband has bile duct cancer with tumors in his liver and now spreading. Everyone is different, because he has been so healthy before the cancer he has done quite well for the past few months, became ill in July, diagnosed in Sept. chemo for 2 months Nov and Dec. The chemo didn't work and now he is starting experimental, that all that is left. Find the best onacologist you can and one that will refer you to a specialist in the type of cancer your mom has. Our dr had referred us to Karmanos Cancer Institute, he had no problem telling us the best place for us to go for treatment. My husband is willing to try anything. He is only 55. Good luck to you, spend as much time as you can with your mom

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