Liver mets: resection, ablation, SBRT, Y-90, anything else?

Babs- So glad you were able to get this treatment! Hoping it is wildly helpful so you can enjoy the next visit with Anton even mor

Z I hope you're back home and get to rest a little. I'm wishing some TLC for you. But, I think your mind never rests. Amplifications float through your brain day and night looking for the best drug to kill your mets. No rest for you.😢

When do you expect to have another scan to see if all your TX in Japan is helping? I'm hoping you can feel response. You know your body so well, your instincts seem to tell you if you're getting better or worse.💞

Z hope you get this gastric situation under control and quickly!

So went to work. In the am I felt really spacey but by the afternoon I was aok. Got a lot done. Still not a great appetite but I am forcing myself to eat as my clothes are swimming on me lately. Stomach is gurgling and I am passing gas. No shoulder issue as yet. Tomorrow should be easier!

Bab

Babs, how many days did you/did the IR recommend you taking off work?

Holy cow, Babs. You never cease to amaze me! I would tell you to take it easy and not overdo things, but I don't think you have that in you. Lol. I hope you continue to do well. I am cheering for you.

Hugs and prayers from, Lynne

I have to thank you all for your stories and suggestions, otherwise I never would have thought to talk to IR - or done it on my own when MO was hesitant. I had my IR consult today, expecting to learn more about Y-90. The IR walked in and had reviewed my case already and recommended a bland embolization followed the next day by ablation. They can get me in on the 26th! So here I go! I never expected that as an option, and am just excited to have a targeted therapy available

Hi Grannax, I hadnt heard about the embolization either. Here is a good overview (much better than I can explain!): https://prd-medweb-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/radiology/files/HC%201619%20Bland%20Embolization.pdf it has an added benefit of apparently making the tumors more visible for when ablation is done. He indicated that in his opinion, studies are starting to point to this treatment being more effective than TACE. Although he mentioned TACE is another option available.

I’ll have the embolization done the first day, they’ll keep me overnight in the hospital, and then have the ablation the second day. The doctor described the ablation as basically “burning off” the tumors. The ablation is under general anesthesia, but once done, I should be able to go home that same day.

Babs and everyone - did you consider TACE? TACE is when you infuse the liver mets with chemo rather than radiation. Similar procedure with a different technology. If you considered TACE, why did you choose Y90.

>Z<

Jamiemarie - your post inspires me because I’ve been thinking about pursuing y90 or some type of radiation treatment but haven’t taken any steps yet. My MO did not think it was an option so it is something I’m going to need to pursue on my own. Knowing that you did it and got good information gives me the confidence to proceed. Now I am committed to look into this as soon as I get back from my vacation in Hawaii. It’s been attracting me ever since I first heard about it based on the good results from many on this thread and the results I saw my father get when he chose radiation seedingafter beanspresented with various options for a different type of cancer many years ago and he has been cancer free ever since.

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences. For those who were not referred by your MO’s, how did you go about identifying a good IR? I am in the San Francisco Bay area .

Okay, I won't call you 👑 babs anymore. I'm just sayin' I would not have made it through a day of work at 3 days post y90. So, I think anyone who can do what you did is amazing. Your grandson is adorable and will bring you such joy when he come to visit.

JFL. Looks like you will follow babs amazing example of what can be done. I guess I need to remember I'm quite a few years older than you two, 70, and retired. I was really proud of myself for being able to drive down to see my granddaughter in a choir performance at two weeks out.

Z. TACE was never mentioned, by MO or IR. I didn't know enough about it to even ask.

I go to MO appointment tomorrow. I'm hoping we can discuss F1 report a little. Especially the ESER1 alteration. I've had 8 ,weeks to understand it better, so know I think I will be able to understand her suggestions. The more. I read, it seems like at progression she will change my TX to faslodex rand Ibrance, probably.

My next scan will probably be April.

Grannax I’m only a little younger than you. Will be 69 this year. When I was a kid my grandmother always said I had a motor in my body cause I was always doing something active. I’m much older and slower but do like to keep busy. I’ve dialed down activities way too much. Work and family are where I exert my energy now. We used to go out 3-5 nights per week. Now 1 is a push! Oh well!

Bab

Babs, what a sweetie your grandson is!

JFL, I have two main liver tumors that show up on my CTs. When I have had MRIs, its more like 8-9. It seems we’re just focusing on those that are on the CT.

I really didnt ask as many questions as I should have, I was surprised by everything. The doctoral fellow who came in before the doctor was discussing Y-90, and then he came in and had something else in mind! He said he thought this process would have the least impact on my liver. He did mention that all three options (TACE, ablation, and Y-90) would still be on the table in the future too again when/if needed.

Liwi, definitely go for it! I mentioned Y-90 to MO and my previous MO and both were hesitant, if not downright discouraging. But the ladies here inspired me to want to learn more. I had to meetwith IR for a recent liver biopsy and while there asked to schedule a consult and they were happy to. I was lucky though in that the head of IR at my hospital specializes in liver therapies.

Grannax, Babs, I didn't have the option of a Friday appointment and am scheduled for a Monday. Need to figure out how much time I will need off and whether I will be able to work at home for any of that time.

JFL. I stayed in bed Saturday and Sunday after my Y 90 because I could. Not sure if I did it on a weekday that I would have done that but remember they say not to be under 3’ away from other people for 3 days cause you’re radioactive. And you can’t be near children or pregnant women for 3 days.

Bab

JFL I'm sure you could work from home after the first 3 days. I guess it just depends on how your body reacts. For the mapping, I doubt you'll need any days off.

Brave, self advocating ladies on this thread. 👏💞