Liver cancer while on dialysis

lcnchives · New User Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

Does anyone have any experience of coping with liver cancer while also on haemodialysis?

My father had bladder and kidney cancer over 10 years ago and had all the organs removed - and has been in remission and on haemodialysis ever since.

Last month he was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and because of his other conditions will only be receiving palliative care now. It is too advanced, he is too weak to operate on and chemo is not possible on dialysis. He is 75.
It has been a big shock despite his long term illnesses and we are all trying to come to terms with it.

I know this forum is for liver cancer but my Father's condition is quite unique as he has been free from the other cancers for a long time - so I didn't quite know where to ask?

He feels that he is deteriorating quite fast, he says he is not afraid. I can see the change for the worse in him too, almost daily. He is extremely weak and is barely able to get up and get dressed by lunchtime or by himself and then dozes most of the time. His appetite is reduced, but quite good considering. Going for dialysis 3 times a week is becoming increasingly difficult for him and us all. I wonder whether one day he will just decide not to go any more.

I just wondered whether anyone else has experienced this situation and can tell me what to expect. Or can tell me what to expect in the weeks and possibly months to come on the symptoms and progression of the liver cancer? Or offer any words of support?

Thanks, Sarah

idobelieveinfairies

Is his liver cancer a primary cancer or has it spread from elsewhere? If it is not a primary cancer there are amazing medicines on the market now to help. I am not a doctor. I post here in hopes of support and learning for my brother who is dying of liver cancer. Does he have an oncologist? Have you thought about getting a second opinion? I wish you well.

brainman

I have the same question as idobelieveinfairies. Is it a primary hepatic (liver) cancer or a cancer from somewhere else that has spread to the liver. The reason this information is important for your father to know is that the two have very different treatment options. Please, try to find this out so that we CAN give you more on target information and support.

Your father is in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

lcnchives · New User Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

I have checked and it's classed as secondary cancer - so maybe this isn't the right place to ask my questions?

idobelieveinfairies

Yes. Now your on the right track. Find out what type of secondary cancer. I read about people living with secondary liver for 10 years or more. Research your medicine options. Get second and third opinions. Hope this helps.

ksplat

Hello Sarah

Although I cannot help with info on Liver Cancer I can empathise with your Father as I too have been on haemodialysis.

I am sorry your Father is afflicted again by Cancer. He's definitely been hit with the "unlucky stick" again! I can't imagine his (& your whole family's) shock & depression at learning this latest news.

I had an Uncle (last year) who chose not to have any more dialysis after being hit with cancer 4yrs earlier & going into remission, he was then dealt another blow with IGA (kidney disease) & was doing 3 days "in-centre" haemo. He was still a young man only 59. He was close to his 63rd b'day when he passed away last Apr. There was no possibility of a transplant kidney because of his kidney illness & he couldn't bear the 3 day haemodialysis for any longer.

I am wondering why your Father cannot have chemo whilst on dialysis? When I was ill in 2005 & my kidneys failed I was given a mixture of toxic drugs to try & get my kidney function back. Chemo was one of these drugs - Cyclophosphamide. I took chemo for 3 mths of 2005 whilst doing dialysis.

I am so sorry your Father is suffering with his health. My prayers & thoughts are with you all.

Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

lcnchives · New User Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 3

Thank you all for taking the time to reply, but sadly my father passed away on Saturday evening. It was all very peaceful in the end and I'm glad it wasn't drawn out or that he was in pain.
He was an inspiration in how he battled bladder, kidney and liver cancer, paget's disease, two hip replacements, endocarditis.....the list goes on over the last 15 years. He must have had an incredibly strong constitution and zest for life - to live for so long, considering all his problems.
He was always cheerful, never complained and was very brave. He wasn't afraid to die.
Thank you, Sarah

idobelieveinfairies

I am so sorry for your loss.

ksplat

My sympathies & comfort to you on the passing of your Father.

Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

brainman

Oh Sarah, I am so sorry to hear that your father has died. You probably know that I too lost my father to cancer (Leukemia). His death was peaceful as well. I will always be grateful that I was with him. It was a painful experience for me but in a strange way was also very awesome. I know that probably sounds sick...

God be with you and keep you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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