Liver Cancer Prognosis

Question: what is the prognosis for metastasized liver cancer. Brother has liver cancer which metastasized to liver? he has been through chemotheropy, radiation and now is beginning an experimental drug. I believe is the last result although he didn't come out and say it. I saw him today for the first time a few months and he looked horrible. I was so shocked I had to leave the room and get myself together in order to face him. Anyone know anything about this condition the cancer began in the bladder than metastasized to the liver

Answer: What your brother has is a stage 4 bladder cancer which doesn’t happen very often. Squamous cell and adenocarcinoma have the poorest prognosis. However, at this point his prognosis is very poor regardless of the histology. Probably 7-9 months. Hopefully the clinical trial he is on will buy him more time. I am very sorry.

Question: What is the prognosis for Stage IV liver cancer in a very small child?

Answer: I am sorry but stage 4 liver cancer is terminal. Hepatoblastoma us a rare cancer and does have very high survival rates, but this is only in the case of successful surgical resection or transplant, which would not be a stage 4 disease. Even if the baby has hepatoblastoma it is still terminal.

Question: What is the prognosis for metastatic liver cancer in the elderly? My father was recently diagnosed with liver cancer, he's 88. He has multiple lesions on his liver. It is the secondary site - he had a bout of bladder cancer which (we thought) was being successfully managed. He's been in great shape, good health and very active his entire life. He is not your typical frail elderly person in their 80s. Its hard to see someone who was formerly energetic and vibrant slipping away. They have done ultrasound and CT scan and needle biopsy is next. We are being told by oncologist that treatment options are limited or that he "may not be a good candidate for chemo", presumably because of his age and I guess b/c of the advanced stage the cancer may be at. Does anyone have any similar experiences? The Internal Medicine Resident who first saw him said "3 months" but she's not an oncologist so not sure how much weight to put in that. I've heard liver cancer has a bad prognosis and is very quick/aggressive. Would be interested to hear about anyone having similar experiences. Thanks.

Answer: Liver cancer usually does have a poor prognosis, but I’m not so sure that is what he has. If it is a secondary site than it is not liver cancer. Are you saying it’s metastatic bladder cancer? Are they doing a biopsy of the liver? Maybe they are not sure what the primary site is.

Question: liver cancer? my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer on jan 2006 and she is clear so far but has mastisis to her liver, whats the prognosis

Answer: I'm no doctor either, and I just went thru this with my dad. Doesn't sound good. (Metastatic-not mastitis) Metastatic tumors are cancer cells that have spread beyond the original cancer site, (ie from the lung to the liver). I just lost my father just over a year ago from the exact same thing. He had lung cancer which spread to his liver as well. Metastases generally indicates the cancer is in the process of spreading to other areas. Talk to her doctor and get him to explain exactly what's going on. Sorry to hear about this. Good luck to you, your mom & the rest of the family and God bless

Question: What is the prognosis for someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer which has spred to the liver?

Answer: I am not a physician, but my husband is, and I know what he would say: please talk to your physician about this - your surgeon, your oncologist, your family physician, or all of the above. It's a very complicated question that can't be answered by just giving basic information like you have. There are several variables involved that can make the prognosis better or worse. I truly hope this question is not in reference to yourself. Stay well.

Question: What can I expect regarding stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to the liver? My friend went to the hospital due to jaundice/liver failure. We thought she had hepatitis but it turns out it was breast cancer. I know her prognosis isn't good, and that there's no cure for her situation, but is there a reasonable chance she may overcome the immediate liver failure crisis and live in better health than her current bedridden state for a little while? Or is she going to be terribly ill from now on?

Answer: I'm sorry to hear that, and it sounds bad. A HUGE part of it depends on how long she wants to live. If she doesn't want to fight, she won't last long, but she could over come it, not easily, but it's possible. Find a support book about cancer if you've never had to deal with cancer, and attempt to relate. I had to learn the hard way. My mom is healed now but she was diagnosed with Colon cancer, and I - her son was/am her primary care taker. If she decides to fight back you need to make sure that you are with her, and that you also show a great appreciation to the care taker, because it is one of the hardest jobs, and most thankless jobs on the face of the planet.

Question: Cancer prognosis? My mum recently passed away due to primary liver cancer. Unfortunately, i wasn't at the hospital when they told her that she had liver cancer, she died within 2 months of being told. When I asked my sister if the doctor told my mum how long she had left, my sister said that the doctor didn't, she said my mum asked but the doctor wouldn't say, i think my sister is lying, surely if my mum wanted to know how long she had left, the doctor would have given her an estimate? What if she wanted to sort out financial affairs, funeral etc? What do people think? Has anyone had a similar experience? Thanks

Answer: so sorrry for your loss... i too lost my dad recently to lung cancer after just 3 months of diagnosis.... i am tempted to think that maybe your mum asked the doctor and he would have probably given her his best estimate, but maybe when your sister asked your mum.....maybe your mum wanted to save your sister and yourself from knowing the terrible prognosis.......parents always want to protect their children! I hope you find peace with this soon xx

Question: Liver Cancer. How long does she have left ? Mum was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer on friday. All we have been told is that they cannot do anything for her except prolong her life with chemo or radiotherapy and that it is terminal. This will kill her in the end. The initial tumour was a hormone related breast tumour that was removed via a mastectomy five years ago. Does anyone know what the prognosis is likely to be? It sounds like it is advanced but until later in the week I cannot find out what stage she is at.

Answer: Homeopathic treatment for Liver Cancer :- 1.SULFUR 30 2.BRYONIA 30 3.CARDUUS MARIANUS in Q (Mother Tincture) 4.CHELIDONIUM MAJUS in Q (Mother Tincture) 5.LYCOPODIUM 1M(1000) Take remedy 1 and 2 thrice a day half hour before meals followed by 20 drops each of 3 and 4 half hour after meals together in a half a cup of hot water and take 5 after a week of taking the above regularly just one dose a week. Avoid Chocolates, Coffee, Mints and Red Meat while taking Homeopathic Medicines and avoid all foodstuffs, which gives you constipation at all costs. If there is any ambiguity about the dosage or the potency of the medicine please ask me before doing anything. And keep me posted about your progress at least every three days. It would be better if you send me the details of the patient exactly the way he or she feels not the doctors diagnosis let the patient describe their own feeling exactly the way they are feeling, for an appropriate Homeopathic prescription Take Care and God Bless you!

Question: Once cancer starts spreading (from pancreous to liver in this case) is there more possibility of death? My friend is 37 and been diagnosed with cancer, they have told him the prognosis is not good because its spread from pancreous to liver. He starts chemo next week, do you think maybe I should start preparing myself for the worst?

Answer: Those are 2 dangerous organs to cancer in. It's bad enough when it's in one, but both. Boy, I never, ever give a prognosis and I won't start now, but I'm just going to say to hope and pray for the best. Miracles happen and I am a firm believer in miracles. Perhaps the chemo will slow it down as well. Is this cancer just starting? If it is, then chemo should do a good job, but because you said it spread to the liver, it sounds like he's had it for a while and didn't know. He had to experience some pain before he was diagnosed. I wish I could give you a good solid answer and tell you all will be great, but I can't. What you should do is be there for him. He's going to need you a lot when he starts chemo. Chemo alone is tough on anyone. He will be weak from it. He won't want to do much of anything because chemo really compromises his immune system. He's going to have to be careful who comes to see him. No sick person should be near him and he will need you to see to all those things. Never be afraid to be yourself around him. Laugh with him, cry with him. Just always be the person he knows and loves. You will both be in my prayers God bless you every single day. ADD Mike S, Get off your high horse and stop being so darn negative.

Question: my nine year old dog was recently diagnosed with liver problems, she has been peeing herself all day. Why? Is this another sympton, or does this mean that her kidneys are also affected? She has been in and out all day, but when she lays down to rest, she wets. also when moveing round she dribbles behind her. Also what is the prognosis of liver disease/cancer/failiure?

Answer: Liver problems by themselves do not cause this and l would get another opinion as obviously she is in renal failure which has spread to her liver and perhaps elsewhere.This a serious issue so do not wait but find a really good competent vet explain what is happening and he may do some tests or x-rays to determine whether is is a serious condition which can be treated.Unfortunately once the live stops functioning there is not medication in the World other then a transplant that can help your pet.So sorry.In the meantime look up or google to read what function the liver actually does plus the kidneys and you will understand what is happening

Question: My friend has just been diagnosed with Liver Cancer? A year ago she had a radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. She now has a tumour the size of an orange back in this area but is yet to find out if it is malignant but on top of this she has been told it has spread to the liver but until her appt next week she dosn't know any more but has been told the prognosis is not good! There is a history of liver cancer in her family and she has been in pain for the last couple of months under her rib cage so this dosn't sound to good. I just don't know what to expect or how long she will have?

Answer: I am sorry about your friend. No the prognosis is not good. Liver cancer and cervical cancer are two different things. The fact the tumor came back so fast is not good and it probably is malignant as she now has a tumor in her liver too. The tumor in her liver is likely cervical cancer that metastasized there, not liver cancer. She will probably have a PET scan and a few other tests in the next couple of weeks that will show if cancer has spread anywhere else and from there the doctor will be able to give some options and time frames. If and when the doctor suggest hospice encourage your friend and her family to consider it. These people are wonderful. They are kind and caring and specialize in end of life issues. They not only help the patient but they help the family too.

Question: Liver cancer. Doctors / nurses ? Hi, My dear lovely friend has liver cancer (secondary) and has just had 10 litres of fluid drained from her abdomen. She is still in hospital and we are waiting for her to come home. She is now only going to receive palliative tx regarding her cancer She is very weak and tired, and has very little appetite. Her family are hoping that when she comes home she will have chance to get a bit stronger and be able to see as many people as possible. She hadn't been out or seen people for weeks as her appearance has changed drastically as she has lost so much weight and is so tired. i know the prognosis, but how long do you think she has? is this amount of fluid unusually high? , and do patients of this kind manage to recover a bit and get to feel a bit better before the fluid builds up again? i live in Sweden and she is in UK. I would like to fly to see her, but don't know how much time i have to organise child care etc. and I know that she would see me, but if she had chance to feel better in herself then I would honour her wish to have that time to get stronger and stronger/more confident to see me. Is it imminent? I was hoping to go next weekend if possible - or am i being pessimistic and she should commonly have weeks or months? if that is the case i could leave booking the flight and allow her the time to get a bit better. Thank you for your help - i suppose that's alot of questions, but I need to know if i am jumping the gun by hopping on a plane so soon. maybe that would scare her into thinking that i think she is going to die really soon. I can't pretend i am visiting UK for another reason as i was there last month. I couldn't see her then as I had a very bad cold and her immunitly as low.

Answer: Hi. I'm sorry about your friend. As you might have guessed, it's impossible to say how long she has. For example, it sounds like this is metastatic cancer that has spread to the liver, so a lot depends on what the primary cancer is/was. Palliative care, in a very general sense, is usually prescribed when the prognosis is for less than 6 months, but there are exceptions to this and, also, it might be different in Sweden. I personally think the best course is to let her call the shots. Write her and tell her you want to see her, but you'll let her decide when this is.

Question: I need direct answers (no refs) to small cell cancer, chemo for this and prognosis...FACTS? Info needed asap. Patient, 73, male, small cell cancer in lung & liver/colan areas. Chemo begins this Tues. We've been married for 4 weeks and in order to control my emotions, I need to be prepared so I can provide everything possible on my behalf. Everything I have received thus far has been references to references and I don't have time for the run-around. If you can't help, please do not give me more references. I have not yet discussed this with his hemotologist because...guess I'm afraid to know or acknowledge prognosis in front of my husband. I need to make him positive, happy and worry-free, every second.

Answer: You know the prognosis, that's why you want to hear something different here. There are several regiments that can be given at this stage, what regiment is he getting. I can give more details with that information. Ask the oncologist what the benfits of all regiments are, side effects. All regiments are not created equal and side effects should be taken into consideration. Also ask the oncologist, what if nothing is done. Your husband needs his real wife, not the one that is trying to make his life "positive, happy and worry-free, every second" You can't keep it up forever and he deserves his real wife. e-mail me if you have any more questions. You can look at my questions and answers and there is an option to e-mail there

Question: Liver lesions...what is the prognoses? My mother in law had breast cancer about 4 years ago, she then had a breast reconstruction. Recently she's been diagnosed with liver lesions and needs chemotheraphy. Has anyone known someone close to them that has had liver cancer? What is the prognoses? My husband and I are pregnant with out first child, and first Grandchild for my mother in law, I really want our child to grow up knowing her, what are the chances??? Thank you in advance for your answers.

Answer: Not very good I'm afraid. She may be fairly limited in her time unless they have got the liver lesions at an early stage

Question: Bowl cancer with secondary liver? My mum has recently been diagonsed with bowel cancer, which has spread to her liver. The two extreamly large tumors took over the the left lobe of the liver and she has 8-9 small spots on the right lobe. We were told the prognosis was grim when we went to speak to a cancer specialist, however, a terrific surgeon decided that he would operate on her to remove the two large tumors from the liver (approx 70% of liver) she is recovering from the operation at home now. What would be the 'conventional' route to go down next? As they still want to operate on the liver to remove the spots and also an operation on the bowel to remove the cancer. But would chemo be done prior to this? Also how does the suregry of removing the large tumors now help the prognosis... is she still in that terrible bracket of 3% survive the 5 year rate? She is young and fit and healthy otherwise. Thanks a lot

Answer: The conventional' route would have been to remove the tumor and the liver lesions at the same time followed by chemo. Removing the liver lesions does little to change the prognosis if the tumor is still present in the colon. Survival rates are based on stage and this does not change the stage.

Question: Cancer taking life of loved one...? My grandfather just found out he has liver cancer...They don't know the prognosis, but I'm really sad about this I cant stop crying and I can't eat...My job took alot of my time for the past 2 years and I hardly spent any time with him at all, I feel terrible...I want to call him, and stop down, but I feel like he is upset I don't see/call them much. I feel so awkward, like, I just show up out of the blue and be like, "oh, how are you?" what am I suppossed to do? How to I overcome this? I want to spend time with him but I don't have the energy, it sounds so selfish and I HATE myself right now...I just want him to know I love him, and that I'm sorry for being such a disappointment...I'm sorry but I'm really upset and I have no one else to talk to cuz I'm a lowlife loser friggin pillhead (just to deal with the pain I've felt for many years prior to this)...again sorry

Answer: If you don't take the time to visit now you will not have many more chances to do so. Create the energy! You will regret it if you don't.