Side effects after having Y90 treatment Radioembolization

@vincelinda24 Here is a link to a previous Y90 discussion:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/y-90-liver-cancer-treatment/
If you select the search magnifyglass on the upper right, and search Y90, you will find other discussions on Y90. Did you read anything helpful?

@elizabethmaltieri
I have found a number of factors not related directly to cancer but to inflammation or infection can drive tumor markers higher and as things resolve the tumor marker comes down from very high levels. We have been dealing with bacterial and fungal infections for months now and the ca19-9 marker was very high. We are still monitoring as things improve and expect it to drop over time. We have decided to not react quickly to the numbers we see as much but try to give things a little time to resolve. It’s so hard to be patient and not panic. Wish you the best outcome and best resolution.

@tomrennie my husband saw his doctor today and the type of liver cancer is Hepatocellula.
His CT scan has been moved up 6 November, so we’ll know if the Y90 treatment worked. If not, the next treatment is Ablation.
He had lots of side effects with the Y90 treatment. Constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight.

I started Y-90 treatment in July for my Liver Tumor. In September the MRI showed the tumor was half the size, yet, another active tumor showed up. My next test is in December.
Symptoms: Depression, weight loss, bloating, pain radiating up right side to my shoulder, brain fog, fatigue daily, often headaches and often lack of appetite.
I saw a Naturopathic Interventional Doc at Mayo that highly recommended a Mitochondria Diet. This has been very very beneficial. No constipation at all. This diet will help the liver.
Eat small portions often during the day , rest, and exercise when you can.
I wish you the best outcome, patience is the hardest part.

@vincelinda24 That is the most common type. The side effects can be a challenge. Doing things to minimize them can take some trial and error. Unfortunately, some are unavoidable. You have to find a way to work through them. For me, I had to learn to listen to my body. Rest when I am tired. Sleep really helps. Equally as important is to never stop moving if/when you can even when it hurts sometimes. With the loss of appetite and weight, it will be difficult. I lost over 100lbs. I have been there. But keeping the body moving helped me get a little appetite back. Like @myo4me suggested, following a diet that is easier on the body and liver can be helpful. Have you tried anything like that? Are there any other changes that might be helpful? The easiest way to get through the side effects is great scan results. It can make the anguish worth it. November 6th can't come soon enough. You agree?

@tomrennie sorry to hear you suffered so much. Are you presently feeling better and has your treatment killed the tumour? We were told that more tumours could pop up, did you experience did?
After 8 weeks of treatment, my husband’s constipation is over and no longer needs medications to go. His appetite has improved as the effects are waring off. Time will tell and we’re praying for good results.
Thanks for your input and all the best.

@elizabethmaltieri I also had Y-90 on a 13 cm tumor on my right lobe on 9/3 with a follow up MRI on 10/4. Throughout this time I had exteme fatigue and weakness in my legs to the point that a walker was necessary and I was told to give it 2 weeks to resolve itself, The follow up MRI showed no reduction in the size of the tumor, but necrosis on the perimeter which I am told was a good sign that the Y-90 is working. I was prescribed a weekly infusion of IV fluids for dehydration and the first treatment helped with the fatigue somewhat.

So I guess everyone's side effects and results from the procedure are unique and there is not a single reaction for all patients.

@vincelinda24 I am feeling a lot better. I am over three years into treatment. Everything has been stable for over two years. My tumors might never go away, so I just live with them. The cancer does pop up in new places, but my chemo capecitabine has kept everything from growing and eliminates small lesions that do pop up. I am glad that his side effects are subsiding. The hope is that the body learns to tolerate the treatment more as time goes on. That seems to be happening for you guys. That's great. Let's hope it continues and the treatment works. Just take things one day at a time. Sometimes looking too far ahead can be daunting. Cherish today. Much easier said than done. You agree?

Been fighting cancer for over 7 years. Just had my first Y9 procedure this last month. My pet Amd cat scans are every six months as that is what my insurance pays for. All of my masses are 2 cm or smaller I presently have 7 different masses in my body at this time spread out. I am or have been on numerous medications and protocols. This is my first experience with y 9.

In my experience with no appetite. I find that I can make my mind think I am hungry for an item. By concentrating on that specific food and taste. I will go to bed thinking I want a specific food item. And continue to think of that item as I force down my ensure protein drink. So that by lunch or dinner I actually do have an appetite for that item. I can’t eat a lot of it at one setting but I get enough down that I am able to make a difference in the nutrients I am taking. As for food tasting horrible. I stay away from greasy or spicy foods. They tend to tear my stomach and mouth up. To include sodas.

For constipation and I have had it so severely I was doubled up in tears. Water melon and oranges. Either eaten or blended with ice for a smoothie refreshing drink.

For the fatigue. There is nothing you can do but rest when you need to. When I start out I set one task for myself a day. Example Change the bedding. Note I didn’t say make the bed. Why bother I will be crawling back in Anyway. I have now developed the stamina to do one room a day. Dust vacumn mop. I set myself goals to challenge myself. And it works for me.

As for depression I try not to think about what if. What if the mass grows or what if the treatment don’t work. I go in with a warrior attitude. I am going to kick cancers butt. I may not win the war against cancer but each battle with a mass makes me victorious. Take care of the legalities of the future. Ie living will. Insurance. Last wishes. But don’t live for those. Just like a person who doesn’t have cancer all we are guaranteed is now. So live for the moment. Do it now. If you wake up and you got the hunger for a piece of pie. Eat the pie. You may not get another chance the zombie uprising could have started by the time you got around to it. You want to write or paint or learn to do leather work. Do it now!

Just as in life we each have our own way to deal with things. I chose to live my life in control of me. I do not let cancer define me. I am not defined by my bra size. The most the 38dd ever got me was a couple free drinks in my younger wilder days and back pain in my later years. They did not make me the daughter, soldier, wife, mother, granny, life line saver, friend, confidante. I was all those things before my first battle with cancer. And I still am. Cancer did not d fine me or diminish who I have always been.

I hope this helps you in your battle with cancer. I know it isn’t an easy one. But look at all the crappy days you have ever had in your entire life. You survived them. I pray you will survive this one too

@cncrfghter7yrs You GO GIRL! I love the attitude!!