Newly diagnosed with liver cancer, having trouble coping

@joemina, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can be used as a tumor marker that is monitored over time to watch for any possible signs of cancer or other problems with the liver. Many things, including cancer, liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as an injured liver that's healing, can raise the AFP numbers.

AFP is only one part of the diagnostic puzzle. It helps bring attention that they MAY be a problem. Further investigation like a CT scan can rule out the problem or help figure out the cause.

I guess what I'm trying to say is to not put the cart before horse. Your team sounds like they are taking good care to figure things out. And the more they know, the more appropriate the treatment. But I know saying "don't worry" is ridculous. Of course, you're worried. So how does one cope with the stress of worry?

Mayo's Cancer Education team put together this free guided course that may offer useful tips for you.

- Stress Management for Cancer (scroll to the bottom of the page) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/tab/offerings/

And don't forget we're here and virtually by your side as this next week approaches and unfolds. Keep asking questions and let us know how you're doing.

@stevie17, as you prepare to start Y90 radioembolization, also known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), you may find this article from Mayo Clinic and this related discussion helpful:
- Targeted radiation therapy: Y-90 and liver cancer https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/targeted-radiation-therapy

- Y-90 liver cancer treatment: What's your experience?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/y-90-liver-cancer-treatment/

Thank you Colleen. I trying to stay in the moment. My high AFP is the only blood test not in the normal range. Amazing how one number can mess do much with my head. Thank you for the link but it doesn’t work? Is there another way or another leak to this course? I’m very interested. Thank you again. Joe

oops. I corrected the link in my message above. Here it is
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/tab/offerings/ (scroll to the bottom of the page).

My friend did find out his liver has spread to other part of his body.
He did say NO to Chemo, and Radiation.
Right now he follows Dr. Thomas Seyfried.
He is looking for any clinic which can do Press Pulse Metabolic by Thomas Seyfried.
Hope you will be well soon.

I no how you feel i have just been told i have a bile blockage and is probably cancer. I go for an ERCP tomorrow. I feel numb or scared not sure which. Keep crying and not coping with daily stuff.

I was just diagnosed with the same thing. I have an appointment with the oncology surgeon in a few weeks. Telling everyone and googling this and that just upset me more. When friends and family ask "can I call" I just tell them I can't. I know by turning off the conversation doesn't make it go away but until I speak with the surgeon the best thing for me is to stop talking about it.

Sending positivity for you! It is sometimes more difficult to wait for diagnosis than to hear dreaded news. As cancer patients we all have memories of that limbo. You have received thoughtful, caring responses above.., try to keep busy & distract your nagging mind. We are here when you need us.

Thanks.. Honestly as of right now (before seeing the oncologist) I am 50 going ahead /50 giving up. If it was just cancer I'd fight but when your body is falling apart and cancer is just another body part that's failing what's the point

I have a large mass at 54 waiting for the insurance to approve a biopsy as a single mother of five children. Unknown about the outcome yet. The surgeon wants to embolize the veins to the mass. He said if we resect the liver I may not make it off of the table. Dr. Gil Lederman in Manhattan uses radio waves to treat patients.
The point is to be there for yourself and if you have family.