Y-90 liver cancer treatment: What's your experience?

Posted by mudshark @mudshark, Dec 8, 2019

I recently was treated with y-90 on a tumor in my liver. I am interested in knowing of others that have had experiences good, or bad, and of long term results. I have had prior resection of the liver to remove a tumor but a new tumor surfaced in a different section. I am hoping the y-90 will prove to be a more permanent solution. Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Liver Cancer Support Group.

@neadkins

I am post mapping and awaiting scheduling for Y90 treatment. It has been just over 2 weeks since mapping and began to feel some discomfort in liver area. Kind of like a muscle pull or deep bruising. Has anyone else experienced same after mapping?

Jump to this post

Yes I felt the same way it will hurt for a while but you will come back to normal I had my Y90 a week ago and I felt fine a little discomfort with my leg but it soon all went away now I'm feeling my pain in my back and it seems like it's getting harder to breathe but I'm getting better day by day I try my best to stay active and do some of the things I use to do but yes I was feeling the nausea and the pains in my body idk if it's just me are if it's the radiation but the pain are bearable but you will be ok think positive I'll be praying for you and your family 🙏🙏

REPLY

Well there is a lot going on in my mind I found out I have four tumors on my liver and one in my blood vessel kinda scary but I'm trying to stay positive for my kids they told me I might have less then a year I don't qualify for a liver transplant what I don't understand but I'm ok with it I just hope I get to spend as much time as I have with my kids they always around me talking laughing but I hope this Y90 works for me idk about this cancer Dr I see asked me if I was drinking and said no why I want to live but I guess it was his thoughts because my tumors had grown a lot in 3 months but I just want to say stay positive and strong 🙏we all have to fight like a warrior and I'm not going to give up 🥺 prayers for all that has cancer 🙏🙏🙏

REPLY
@mortimore

Hello - new to this - am stepping in on behalf of my husband, John, who has just this week gone through the mapping stage. He was diagnosed in last 7 weeks with liver cancer/primary. With a very large tumour 15 cm and then they found another one during mapping. He is not eating much and is totally depressed, I am reaching out to find some help. Reading your blog there is much reason to be hopeful. We are in Canada and the healthcare is good but not very communicative. Please advise if you have any appetite suggestions or any suggestions at all. We are kind of on our own here.

Jump to this post

Hi @mortimore, I can imagine how deflating that must've been to both your husband and you when they found another tumour when mapping in preparation for treatment. Naturally, I'm glad they found it so that both tumours can be monitored and treated.

You mentioned that communication is not very good where your husband is being treated. I wonder if you are at one of the major cancer centres in Canada? There are several different services that I encourage you to look into for you, your husband and your family. Many of the cancer centres offer the following:
- Social work https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1047804&serviceAtFacilityID=1074213
- Spiritual support https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Patient_Services/Spiritual_Care
- Palliative care https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/For-Health-Professionals/palliative-care

I've added explanations of these services from 3 different provincial cancer centres as examples. Any of these services can be requested and can also help with communicating with your team and get support beyond treatment.

I'm sure your husband is grateful to have you by his side. How is he doing? How are YOU doing?

REPLY

Does any one get bad itchy like so bad on ur back and your front breast I didn't get any rest last night was up itching my back and if anybody knows what I can use please help I can't do this another night wow I'm so tired 😴 prayers for people with cancer 🙏🙏

REPLY
@donnabl

Does any one get bad itchy like so bad on ur back and your front breast I didn't get any rest last night was up itching my back and if anybody knows what I can use please help I can't do this another night wow I'm so tired 😴 prayers for people with cancer 🙏🙏

Jump to this post

@donnabl, itching is a common side effect of liver issues. It can sometimes get so bad that it interrupts your sleep. And that's not helpful for healing, is it?

You might find some helpful tips in this related discussion:
- Liver disease itching: What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-disease-itching/
Have you talked to your cancer team about this itching? Did they have any suggestions?

REPLY
@revjohnson

Y90 has proven to be a very effective treatment for me against a primary tumor in my liver. I am experiencing necrosis (and shrinkage) of the tumor since having the treatment in November 2023. I recommend it highly if possible.

Jump to this post

revjohnson,

Thanks for the response. My tumor was successfully treated last November and there are no new tumors. Still on the transplant list. How are you doing?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.