Newly diagnosed with liver cancer, having trouble coping

How old is too old for transplant? I heard that you can still get transplanted into your 70s if your overall health is good.

Great news. I had a 3.5 cm tumor treated with Y90 November 2023 and they killed it. Had MRI every 3 months since and no new activity. Health is good. Went on transplant list May 2024 with exception points. Hoping for good news soon.

How big were your tumors? Are you on the wait list?

I had two cancerous growth in my liver also. They found them in Nov, 24. I went through all the tests and my radiologist suggested Y90. I won't lie, the recovery was tough due to the size of the tumors. Crippling fatigue was the hardest as was 11 weeks of evening fevers. I had another MRI two weeks ago and got a call from my Radiologist yesterday, 1/23/25 and was told 98% of the treated tumor was dead and/or dying. 98%!!. How about that. So, don't be afraid of the Y90. The hardest part is waiting every step of the way. Try to figure out how to turn off the "what if" switch in your head and you will do fine.

@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

@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.

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.

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

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

Ok

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?