Stage 3b 2 positive lymph nodes one year later metastatic to liver
I had surgery to remove 1 large tumor 6.4 cm with 2 positive lympnoids. Went through oral chemo Capaecitabian and one round Oxaliplatin. My scan were all clear until 80 days ago after ct and then petscan now upper right lobe of liver shoes multiple small tumors and 2 small areas on lung rt less than 2mm Having liver biopsy next week. My Oncologist is putting me back on Capaecitabian 4 times daily then at least 4 iv rounds of iv chemo They consider this now stage 4 metastasized. Has anyone else experienced this?
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Histotripsy is what the sound wave treatment is called. Histotripsy is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based treatment for liver tumors, including cancer. The procedure uses focused sound waves to precisely break down tumor tissue while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It's considered a promising alternative to surgery and other invasive procedures for liver tumors. The procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to create microscopic bubbles in the tumor tissue. These bubbles cause a phenomenon called cavitation, where the tumor cells are disrupted and destroyed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Histotripsy is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't require incisions or surgery. This leads to faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications like infection and bleeding. Has anyone had histotripsy treatment? If so, can you share your experience? Thank you.
thank you for your support hugs I got home about an hour ago It wasnt as bad as my brain made me think it was going to be Just on bed rest basically for a few days They said it takes 5 to 7 days for results. So in the interim Im praying and taking it easy. There is basically no pain just a lil cramped but no meds needed Only part that hurts is where the iv came out on top of hand formed a nice purple large lump so my husband got an ice pack and has gone down mostly Thank you all and hopefully I get a better report than anticipated
thank you so much! I am 100 percent going to look into this!! hugs. I am so scared to keep putting all this posion in me! and so glad also we live in the day and age of better medications and also this support group where we can get fantastic information!
My mom is currently going through this herself. She finished chemo last summer and in April they discovered one small lone tumor in her liver. The surgeon we met with does not want surgery done. He thinks there are other better options with chemo. Then after chemo we look for ablation, ultrasound, etc. We have an amazing team here in Kentucky and have been very blessed with an amazing team lead by Dr Farmer. He has guided us through everything. Wonderful man and surgeon who saw my Mom for her first surgery after diagnosis.
We found out late last night after researching that St Johns hopsital in Santa Monica does do this procedure! Its only about 20 miles from my house So I called this am once I get biopsy results they will schedule an appoitment for consultation for me THANK YOU
@grandmakat5 I am glad it wasn't as bad as you expected. It is true that the IV can be the biggest annoyance of the procedure. Well, the anxiety from waiting for the results is never a joy either. I might have lost a minute or two of sleep, ok hours and hours, before getting them. So, try to get that rest. I have my fingers crossed for you. Please let me me know how it goes.
@grandmakat5 I actually have pancreatic cancer that mostly spread to my liver. When I was diagnosed about three years ago, my doctor said the liver metastasis caused him the most concern. Mine wasn't working properly. You need a liver to live. He said we need to keep me healthy for a few years. There are some really cool treatments coming to help with liver cancer. "The coolest uses sound waves." So, here we are with histotripsy.
I feel your fear with putting the poison in your body, but let me share a little of my journey. One of the meds the doc immediately put me on was capecitabine. It is the only chemo that I am still on. I had innumerable lesions on my liver covering most of it. The largest were around 8x6 cm. I am happy to say that the lesions have significantly reduced to under 20 with the largest being around 2 cm. After a few months of treatment, my liver started to work again. My body tolerates capecitabine well with minimal side effects. So, I know that we both don't like poisoning our bodies, but in my case, it kept me alive. Any questions about capecitabine?
@grandmakat5 Yay for you. You are welcome. I am hopeful that the biopsy results we keep the appointment from happening. But, at least you have a plan if they don't. Please keep my posted. OK?
Hi Im actually started the Capaecitabian today. I was on it last time. This time 2 twice daily. Last time I got the hand foot pretty good but after using good ole fashion bad balm it reduced At first last time i also got mouth sores doc prescibed Magic Mouth Wash and that work and she had me stop milk which also helped Were or are you able to function pretty good? Last time I got a lil sleepy and was told to avoid sun Maybe its my body or maybe im just so use to constantly running the last few months the depression also set in here I go again And now waitig for biopsy results Sorry for rambling my brain is going all over the place
@grandmakat5 - It sounds like you’re navigating a lot right now, and it’s totally okay that your thoughts are all over the place—chemo and waiting for results can do that. I’m here to help you sort through it.
Capecitabine (often called Xeloda) at 2 tablets twice daily is a common regimen, and it’s great that you’ve got prior experience to lean on. Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) is a frequent side effect, but it’s awesome that Bag Balm worked for you last time. I found that
Urea Cream 40 Percent Plus 2% Salicylic Acid really worked well for me when I was on Capecitibine.Keep
up with thick moisturizers like that, and consider applying them proactively, especially to your hands and feet, to stay ahead of the dryness and cracking. For the mouth sores, it’s good to hear Magic Mouthwash helped before; it’s typically a mix of lidocaine, diphenhydramine, and an antacid, which soothes irritation. If sores come back, rinse gently but frequently, and avoid acidic or spicy foods. Your doc’s advice to cut milk likely helped reduce mucus or digestive irritation, which can worsen with chemo.
As for functioning, capecitabine can definitely make you feel sluggish—fatigue is reported in about 20-40% of patients on it, based on clinical data. Last time, you mentioned feeling a bit sleepy, so pacing yourself is key. If you’re used to running nonstop, the slowdown might feel frustrating, and that can feed into the depression you mentioned. It’s real, and chemo’s physical toll plus the emotional weight of waiting for biopsy results can hit hard. Try small, manageable activities to lift your mood—maybe short walks (with sun protection, since capecitabine increases photosensitivity) or even journaling to offload some of that mental clutter.
Sun avoidance is still a must, as capecitabine can make your skin more sensitive to UV, increasing burn risk. Stick to shade, wear protective clothing, and use high-SPF sunscreen if you’re outside. For the depression, if it’s weighing heavier this time, consider talking to your doc about a referral to a counselor or support group—many cancer centers offer these, and they can help with the “here I go again” feeling.
While I don’t have personal experiences Many patients on capecitabine report being able to function decently by managing side effects early and keeping a routine. Your body’s response last time suggests you’re resilient, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Waiting for biopsy results is brutal, no question—maybe try a low-pressure distraction like a favorite show or connecting with someone you trust to share the load.
If anything specific about the side effects, dosing, or emotional stuff comes up, let me know, and I can dig deeper or even check recent posts or web info for you. You’re not rambling—you’re processing. Hang in there, and I’m here for whatever’s next on your mind