Newly diagnosed with liver cancer, having trouble coping

@helese0802 & @joemina: So sorry to hear of your liver tumor biopsy & awaiting diagnosis. I would research “directed therapy of cancer liver tumors” to become knowledgeable about alternate treatments that would be appropriate for you. Then I would seek out cancer specialist (not just surgeons) for 2nd opinion (you need priority appt due to diagnosis).
I believe the Lederman procedure you are referring to is Histrotripsy? This is a new treatment for liver tumors using ultrasound.
I think Your treatment decision demands the best advice, 2nd opinions and careful consideration.
Best to you, Bette

Hello @helise0802 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you found this forum. It is a great place to learn from the experiences of others and give and receive encouragement.

How long ago did you receive this diagnosis? How are you feeling now?

A month and a half. Tired, weak, frustrated and upset because at the same time my ex and my neighbors were taking me to court 12/3/24 in a civil battle over my house and land. Now we have to move out of our home! My ex threw out his own children! A real S.O.B.!

I'm so sorry that you are going through all of this and having health issues as well. I hope you will keep posting as you deal with the biopsy and treatment plan.

Will you post again with any questions, concerns or updates?

Ok

@jackiemcknight1, how did the ERCP go? What did you learn? How are you doing?

Dear Joe I feel for you,it's normal to feel overwealm.
My faith has been giving me strength to deal this sickness with aut fear keeping busy helping others,even if is only encouraging others trough the telephone.
I will be praying g for you.
Blessings
Carmen

BLM47, I'm not a doctor. But if I were you ,if u have not yet had a biopsy I would look for alternative methods. In my opinion a biopsy is similar to poking a stick into a hornet's nest. It will cause the cancer to spread like wild fire before they ever do surgery, let em do surgery, take out all the cancer and then some. Then they can do all the biopsies they need to determine treatments. Tell ur Dr. Stait up this is your body and your life were talking about. Again this is just my personal opinion. I think I'm about to go down the same path soon as my labs are pointing in that direction. Trying to stay positive.

@blm47, biopsies are often necessary to remove a piece of liver tissue for laboratory testing in order to make a definitive diagnosis of liver cancer.

Barney, I understand you're concerned about getting a biopsy. Some people wonder if a biopsy can cause cancer to spread. The short answer to this question is that it’s extremely rare for cancer to spread during a biopsy. The benefits of getting a biopsy far outweigh the minimal risk of cancer spread. Read more https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/can-getting-a-biopsy-make-cancer-spread.html

In fact, a study of more than 2,000 patients by researchers at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Jacksonville, Florida, has dispelled the myth that cancer biopsies cause cancer to spread. They show that patients who received a biopsy had a better outcome and longer survival than patients who did not have a biopsy. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-researchers-find-cancer-biopsies-do-not-promote-cancer-spread/

Diagnosing liver cancer may involve blood tests, imaging studies as well as a biopsy.

@joemina: I know what a difficult decision it is agreeing to a liver biopsy! Perhaps a PET Dotatate scan or Evoist MRI w &w/o contrast would reveal results your physician needs to determine best treatment without an invasive procedure like a biopsy? There are many types of cancer and the type I have is Neuroendocrine Tumor cancer that has metastasized in my liver. Not referred to as “liver cancer”. The above scans and several endoscopies revealed my diagnosis and therefore best treatment without surgery or liver biopsy. Thankful to the cancer researchers there are many successful treatments now available and I have just finished a selected treatment that reduced my tumors significantly. You need to have hope and generate a positive attitude by learning about your cancer and the treatments you could benefit from.
I suggest you compile copies of all tests performed and also get discs plus report of all scans that are ordered. You need your records readily available if you ask for second opinions or see more specialists.
No one knows why this has happened to you, you just need to accept this cancer reality and become knowledgeable about your cancer treatments available. I learned that cancer centers offered me best scanning equipment and radiologists familiar with my type cancer; as well as oncology medical specialists that offer best treatment options.
Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, City of Hope, and other cancer centers will be helpful in offering peer experience through virtual support groups that are very knowledgeable in current procedures - these people have been in your shoes and want to help support you now and in your future. Best of good health… Bette