Connect
Radioembolization for pancreatic cancer metastasis to liver?
Hi,
My father was recently diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer and has metastasis to his liver. The radiogist that did his biopsy mentioned radioembolization for his liver tumor. Has anyone had any experience or have any knowledge about this that they will share?
Thanks
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@jessieleigh, radioembolization is sometimes referred to as Y90 treatment. Radioembolization is used to treat tumors that were either initially formed in the liver or have spread (metastasized) to the liver from another part of the body. It is a palliative treatment, which means it does not provide a cure but instead helps slow down the growth of the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Members have talked about it for liver cancer treatment in this related discussion:
- Y-90 liver cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/y-90-liver-cancer-treatment/
@digibson may be able to share her experiences with radioembolization and liver cancer with you. I think @minimia may have experience with interventional radiation options for metastatic pancreatice cancer.
How is your dad doing? How are YOU doing?
Hello Colleen, thank you so much for responding and for your info, I will definitely make use of the resources you have provided. It's one week after my dad's first dose of folfirinox, and he still is barely eating. He takes his anti nausea meds and says they help but not enough to make him think he can keep food down. He is very sullen. I've never seen him like this before and I feel very sorry for him. I'm afraid he'll give up and die sooner than we expect. I'm sad and afraid and overwhelmed. It feels like I'm living in a nightmare and like my world will never be OK again. My mom contacted MD Anderson in Houston but they won't see him until time for re staging, which is in 3 months. For now I will try to get him to eat because I think they'll stop his chemo if his weight continues to drop precipitously.
Thank you again for your response and for asking how me and my dad are doing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDiagnosed Sept. 2021(Stage I/2). Had Whipple March 23, doing Chemo now. Lost 70 pounds but found way to gain weight! Don’t like to chew, like cold things. Really like Costco pumpkin pie and Costco chocolate covered vanilla ice cream popsicle!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI love your weight gaining plan, good for you. I will give it a shot with my dad, because even a little of something yummy would help. Thank you for this idea.
Hi, I'm 64 years old, Stage IV PCan with metastatis to liver. Cancer diagnosed 8.3.22. Started Folfirinox 9.7.22. I've done 5 rounds. Learned of metastatis to liver last month after full work-up at Mayo. I started this journey without any extra weight to lose so I have been very focused on trying to limit my weight loss.
In my experience: 1. I take anti nausea meds as prescribed whether or not I feel nauseated. I take Ondansetron when I get up in the morning and then another 8 hours later. I don't wait until I feel nauseated. 2. Walking out of doors helps me with nausea and sometime appetite- even if I can only go for 20-30 minutes. I get out almost every day here in Alaska (when I'm doing "take-home" chemo. I just stuff all the tubes etc..under my down coat). 3. About once a month, the Ondansetron hasn't been enough, if pot is legal in your state, consider getting an edible or some buds that are designed to reduce nausea and increase appetite . A friend gifted me buds that are only 30% THC. Nausea was reduced without getting stoned. 4. If you can, see a Registered Dietician with experience in working with cancer patients who are on chemo. The Pancreatic Cancer Network can tell you who is in your area. I got some good ideas about how to increase calories overall and also protein. 5. For me, the recovery from each Chemo session has been different. I felt worse after the first one than after number five. Give my best to your dad.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you very much. My dad takes ondanestron and perchlorperazine. My brother and I plan to get the THC tomorrow. The oncologist's office has a dietician that recommends 1300 to 1500 calories a day, but the doctor herself recommended 3000. Its a big gap, but since my dad's currently getting less than 1000 I won't worry about the discrepancy yet. We got him some extra high calorie Boost, because he prefers it to regular food. I love the idea of a walk outdoors for him, I will try to see if he will go tomorrow. Thank you again, and I wish you all the best.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi, was diagnosed PCan IV with mestatsis to liver 10/19/22. Just completed 2nd round of chemo. Have stopped losing weight but is challenging as a long with PCan diagnosis also diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes. Have not suffered any side effects from chemo other than fatigue and some loss of appetite. Had aversion to plain water after round 1 but is less of an issue after round 2. Trying to eat 5-6 small meals each day with Creon capsules to help digestion. Comments and questions welcomed
Great tips, @mgilson, to help keep weight loss in check. Kudos for getting out everyday - in Alaska no less - with take-chemo, tubes and all. A parka full of pockets must help.
How many more chemo sessions do you have scheduled or is it maintenance chemo?
@davidtd, like @mgilson suggested, an oncology dietitian can help you develop an eating plan based on your health issues and needs, especially related to type 2 diabetes. When my father was losing weight (stage 4 colon cancer), the dietitian was more concerned about weight gain than sugar levels. Once the weight gain was under control, he returned to monitoring his glucose. That may not be right for you, but consulting with a professional can help.
Like you water lost its appeal for my dad too. He liked sucking on ice chips however. He always had a cup of ice chips by his side with a straw and a spoon. Spooning the ice chips and sipping the ice cold water. He wore gloves to hold the cup because his chemo made him sensitive to the touch of cold.
Here are couple of related discussions that may offer more tips:
- What are other survivors doing about pancreatic enzymes replacement? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-enzyme-replacement/
- Struggling to eat with pancreatic cancer: How do you manage? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eating-with-pancreatic-cancer/
Hi Collen, I have 7 more scheduled. Number 6 is tomorrow. This is my initial round of chemo. They are going to do 12 sessions initially. Do you have a link for information about radiation/chemo? My team told me that the thinking has evolved, and that in some cases radiation is warranted even with metastatic cancer. The decision point for this is several months away, and we will do another PET scan before any decisions are made. But meanwhile, I thought that I might do a bit of reading about the pros and cons of radiation.