Dad diagnosed with liver cancer

My dad had consultants on Friday and been informed he has liver cancer, they can't do anything.  They did mention chemo but didn't try to sell it to us - I felt they were making the decision for my dad.  My dad did say he didn't want it.  He's not in any pain at the moment and is enjoying life with my mum.  They are best friends and have been married for over 58 years, don't have any friends just each other. 

My dad asked what was next.  The consultant said he would start to feel pain on his side and when this happened he would get taken into hospital to get a stent put in to help open valves that had been blocked due to cancer growing.  They thought it was approximately 2inches at the moment.  He would be in hospital for a few days to make sure procedure had worked.

My friend told me not to let my dad go into hospital as her dad was in and his treatment was horrendous.  Would my dad get pain relieve if he chose not to get the stent in?

Timescale he has been given is 3-6 months!!  Something we were not expecting to hear.

My dad gets bloods tests each year to check his health - testing for various issues.  Bloods came back in May abnormal and further bloods were taken - they ruled out lots and sent him for a x-ray.  We now believe this really should've been a CT scan but no one was mentioning what they were looking for.  If this hadn't showed up we wouldn't be any the wiser.  Now I'm not sure if knowing is better than not knowing.....

  • Hello Lainiekins

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's recent diagnosis. Undoubtedly this is a time where you have lots of questions and uncertainty and it's understandable that things may be difficult for you all. 

    It's good to hear that your Dad is comfortable at the moment and he's able to enjoy spending quality time with your Mum. Hopefully, things will continue in this way for a good while yet. 

    It's unfortunate to hear that your friend's Dad didn't have a good experience when they were admitted to the hospital. Please don't let this cloud your Dad's decisions and any treatment that is offered. While it's sad that your friend's dad had such a difficult time, I'm sure that there would be many people who would talk about the positive experiences that they had. What's important now is that your Dad is supported by the hospital to make sure that any pain and symptoms he has are well managed, with or without a stent, and having read your post I'm sure that you as a family will support him in making his choices. 

    If you have any concerns about your Dad's treatment or symptoms then do get in touch with the cancer nurse specialist. They are they to support not only your Dad but you as a family while you care for your Dad through this illness. 

    If at any point you think it may help to talk with one fo our nurses for advice and support you're most welcome to give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch Lainiekins and let us know how you're all doing. Sending your Dad, and the whole family, my very best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator